What Happened to Laci Peterson's Dog After Her Death? A Slightly Happier Ending

The tragic story of Laci Peterson’s murder has been explored in various shows, including 20/20’s One Last Chance: The Trial of Scott Peterson and Netflix’s American Murder: Laci Peterson. Many are eager to understand the details of her case and why her husband, Scott Peterson, had his death sentence overturned.

Scott was initially convicted of murdering his wife, Laci, and their unborn child in 2004 and was sentenced to death. However, his death sentence was later overturned, and he is now serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole at Mule Creek State Prison, according to jail records viewed by Distractify. While many continue to follow the case, hoping to uncover more answers, they also wonder what happened to Laci’s dog after her death. Here’s everything we know.

Laci and Scott's dog, McKenzie, became central to the case almost instantly. InTouch Weekly recounts that the dog was found wandering the neighborhood, leash on and covered in mud, while Scott was on a "fishing trip." Scott alleged that Laci took the dog on a walk on Dec. 24, 2002, the day she went missing. 

Friends and family found Scott's story suspicious because Laci's pregnancy had been "wearing her down significantly" to the point where even a walk with McKenzie would be difficult. During the trial, the neighbor who found the pup and returned her to the Peterson home testified that there were no signs of struggle at the house and added Scott suggested she speak to a detective about the dog's discovery. 

At one point, audiences watching the trial were so invested in the dog that it was suggested to hire a "dog psychic." Laci's mother, Sharon Rocha, even commented to Katie Couric at the time, "Why aren’t we getting a people psychic? You know, if you’re gonna hire a psychic … At that time, I was just, ‘What are you talking about?’ It was, to me, absolutely ridiculous."

When Scott Peterson was arrested and taken into custody, people became concerned over the dog's fate.

The good news for animal lovers is that, unlike Laci, McKenzie was unharmed and was given to one of Scott's relatives following Laci's death. Laci's cats, Siam and Gracie, were given to Stacey Boyers, one of Laci's close friends who also testified at the trial. Five years after the trial, Scott's mother commented only, "The dog is well and being taken care of and is very happy."

Scott Peterson was convicted in 2004 after his pregnant wife Laci went missing on Christmas Eve in 2002. The case became the focus of national media attention, especially after her body was recovered in the San Francisco Bay. Scott has maintained his innocence to this day and has never once confessed to being guilty of the crime. Scott's family has been pushing for a retrial, and they also maintain his innocence.

Laci Peterson's family, however, is upset with the death penalty reversal — as is Scott's sister, Anne Bird. People will have to decide for themselves what they believe based on the evidence provided so far.

American Murder: Laci Peterson is now streaming on Netflix.