Friend of Laci Peterson's Family Shows Support

Dec. 15, 2004 -- -- Kim Petersen, executive director of a foundation for missing persons, stood by the Rocha family for two years as they worked to solve the mystery around Laci Peterson's death. Now that the trial is over, Petersen says the Rochas are left to deal with their loss without any distractions.

"For two years, they've been almost on a treadmill running full speed and now it's done," Petersen, who is not related to the family, said on ABC News' "Good Morning America." "Now they face the reality of the rest of their lives without Laci and Connor and it is a very difficult reality."

Petersen's Carole Sund/Carrington Memorial Reward Foundation is dedicated to raising public awareness about the issue of missing persons, helping find missing people and bringing perpetrators to justice.

Petersen became involved with Laci's mother, Sharon Rocha, after Laci went missing nearly two years ago. After her body and the body of her unborn baby were found in San Francisco Bay in April 2003, Petersen helped the Rochas deal with their stress throughout the trial of Scott Peterson, Laci's husband.

"So we just try to help her through day by day, letting her know there's people who love her and care for her and will be there every step of the way," Petersen said.

Petersen says the Rochas are physically and emotionally exhausted, but they're also aware it's not entirely over.

While Peterson's jury recommended that he be put to death for Laci's murder, he will not be sentenced until Feb. 25. If the judge sentences him to death, it will likely take more than five years to provide Peterson with an attorney for his mandatory appeal to the state Supreme Court.

Petersen says Laci's family will never get over the loss they've suffered.

"They will never have the closure that people like to talk about. Victims hate that word. They would be happy if that word was never used again, because there's no such thing as closure," Petersen said. "There's a huge hole in their hearts and lives forever."

You can find out more about the Carole Sund/Carrington Memorial Reward Foundation at www.carolesundfoundation.com