Laci Peterson at a Glance
Laci Peterson was 27 years old at the time of her disappearance on Christmas Eve 2002. Born on May 4, 1975, she was married to Scott Peterson and was approximately 27 years and seven months old when she was last seen in Modesto, California. This profile breaks down her age within key timelines, background context, and factual circumstances that remain relevant for understanding the case.
Key Age and Timeline Facts
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | May 4, 1975 | Public records and court documents |
| Date of disappearance | December 24, 2002 | Law enforcement reports |
| Age at disappearance | 27 years old | Verified through birth and incident dates |
| Pregnancy at disappearance | Approximately 8 to 9 weeks | Medical evidence entered in trial |
| Declared dead | 2004 | California judicial determination |
Biographical Context to Age 27
Understanding Laci Peterson at 27 requires looking at her life leading up to Christmas Eve 2002. She grew up in Redding, California, attended California State University, Chico, and later worked in education and administration. By age 27, she had completed college, married Scott Peterson in a public ceremony in 2000, and was building a life that included planning for a first child. Her age at the time situates her in early adulthood, a period typically associated with career development, marriage, and family formation.
Personal and Professional Life
Before her disappearance, Laci was known as an engaged teacher’s aide and a devoted wife. Friends and coworkers describe her as organized, kind, and invested in her community. At 27, she was actively preparing for the birth of her first child with Scott, which makes her age at the time a central detail both in memorial narratives and in legal proceedings that followed.
Legal Proceedings and Age Relevance
Laci’s age was a factual detail recorded in court filings, investigative reports, and media documentation from the outset. Her birth date and the date of disappearance establish her age beyond reasonable dispute and anchor timelines used in forensic analysis, including the estimated timeframe of her pregnancy. Courts and investigators rely on such dates to reconstruct events, determine statutory considerations, and maintain consistency across evidence entries.
Why Age Details Matter in High-Profile Cases
- Establishes precise timelines for forensic and investigative reconstruction
- Supports accurate reporting and avoids factual distortion over time
- Provides clarity for public understanding of victim circumstances
- Informs contextual understanding of family planning and medical evidence
Public Memorialization and Age 27
In memorial coverage, articles, and public remembrances, Laci Peterson is frequently noted as being 27 at the time of her disappearance. This consistent reference reinforces how young she was when her life was cut short and underscores the gravity of the loss. Age 27 has become a fixed part of her public profile, used to contrast the promise of youth with the abruptness of her death.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How old was Laci Peterson when she disappeared?
She was 27 years old at the time of her disappearance on December 24, 2002. - When was Laci Peterson born?
She was born on May 4, 1975. - How far along was Laci Peterson when she went missing?
She was approximately 8 to 9 weeks pregnant at the time of her disappearance. - When was Laci Peterson declared dead?
She was declared dead in 2004 following a judicial determination. - Why is her age often mentioned in coverage?
Her age at disappearance is cited to establish timeline precision, humanize the victim, and contextualize life-stage details such as pregnancy and future plans.
Closing Note on Factual Accuracy
Laci Peterson’s age is a verifiable biographical detail that helps anchor the timeline of events in this case. By relying on court records, public documents, and consistent reporting, the age of 27 remains a stable, factual element of her profile. This kind of detail supports informed discussion while resisting speculation, which is essential in long-term public cases.