Woman Claims Affair With Scott Peterson
Jan. 24, 2003 -- After he publicly denied it, a 28-year-old woman stepped before cameras today to say she had an affair with the husband of a missing pregnant woman from Modesto, Calif.
Scott Peterson, 30, the husband of Laci Peterson, 27, has publicly denied he had any extramarital affair and has said he's only interested in finding Laci, who has been missing for a month. However, Laci's brother today said Scott confirmed the affair to him in a private telephone conversation.
Later, Amber Frey said she had "a romantic relationship" with Scott Peterson after meeting him on Nov. 20.
"I was told he was unmarried," Frey said. "Scott told me he was not married. We did have a romantic relationship. When I discovered he was involved in the Laci Peterson disappearance case, I immediately called the Modesto Police Department" on Dec. 30.
Laci was eight months pregnant when she disappeared from her Modesto home on Christmas Eve, roughly a month after Frey said she met Scott. She was due to deliver a baby boy on Feb. 10.
Family Distrust
Initially, Laci's family said repeatedly they had no suspicions about Scott. Then, the family said police showed them photos of him with a woman from Fresno. It apparently was Frey, who said she gave such photos to police.
"I am very sorry for Laci's family and the pain that this has caused them, and I pray for her safe return, as well," Frey said. "I would appreciate to my friends and acquaintances to refrain from talking about me to the media for profit."
Earlier, at a press conference marking a month since Laci's disappearance, her relatives made clear they no longer trusted Scott.
"I would like to confirm, on Jan. 16, 2003, by phone, Scott Peterson did admit to me that he was having an affair with a Fresno woman," said Brent Rocha, Laci's brother. "Scott has not been forthcoming with information regarding my sister's disappearance and I am only left to question what else he may be hiding.
"Since Scott is no longer communicating with anyone in Laci's family and because we have so many questions that he has not answered, I am no longer supporting him," he added.
Police still have not identified a suspect or eliminated Scott Peterson from their investigation.
They said today that Frey, the single mother of a young child, is not a suspect.
Peterson told police he last saw his wife about 9:30 a.m. on Dec. 24, when he left to go fishing at the Berkeley Marina. He said Laci told him she was taking the family dog, McKenzie, for a walk at a nearby park. McKenzie was later found in the backyard, trailing a muddy leash.
Scott Peterson's sister-in-law, Janey Peterson, who is "in touch with Scott every day" told CNN she did not know about Scott's alleged affair, and that it was painful to hear Laci Peterson's family no longer supported her brother-in-law.
"That is difficult," she said. "We came together in the midst of this crisis, and were together to coordinate all of the volunteer things. We prayed together and cried together."
Family Grief
A month after Laci disappeared, members of her family again asked for the public's help finding her, and broke down as they talked about how much they missed her.
"This past month has been the most painful time I've ever experienced," said Amy Rocha, Laci's sister, before leaving the podium, unable to say anything else.
Brent Rocha's voice quavered throughout his statement.
"Laci … your disappearance has completely changed my life as I once knew it," he said. "As your older brother, I only wish I had the opportunity to be there to defend you from the person who decided to take you from me. … Wherever you may be I hope you know how much I love you and how important you are to me."
Laci's mother, Sharon Rocha, also fought back tears.
"I miss her talking about her future with her husband and her baby," she said. "I miss everything about her.
"I know that somebody knows where Laci is, and I'm pleading with you please, please let her come home to us," she added. "Please keep looking for Laci and help us end this nightmare."