Police: Laci's mom lashed out at Peterson
Rocha left court while jurors heard Peterson- Frey tapes
(Court TV) -- When Laci Peterson's mother learned about Scott Peterson's affair with a masseuse, she angrily called her son-in-law and accused him of murder.
According to documents obtained exclusively by Court TV's Catherine Crier, Sharon Rocha instantly suspected Peterson was involved in her daughter's disappearance when police met with her on January 16, 2003, and told her about his affair with Amber Frey.
Rocha wasted little time in confronting Peterson.
"You killed my daughter, didn't you?" Rocha said, according to a phone transcript obtained exclusively by Crier. (Transcript)
"No I didn't, Mom," Peterson said.
"Stop lying. I'm tired of your lies," she said.
Modesto Police decided to inform Scott and Laci Peterson's families of the fertilizer salesman's relationship with the massage therapist when they learned that the National Enquirer was going to break the news, according to a police report made available exclusively to Crier.
Police informed the couple's parents on the same day, but separately.
The report noted that up to that point, both families had "remained united in their confidence" that Scott Peterson was uninvolved in her disappearance.
"Not wanting the family to be caught without this knowledge, it was agreed that it would not impact negatively on the case and the potential prosecution of this case to inform them of this information," Detective Jon Buehler wrote in a police report dated January 16, 2003.
News of the affair triggered an emotional breakdown in Rocha, who sobbed in front of police and said, "Why did he have to kill her?"
She didn't mince words when she contacted her son-in-law, who now stands accused of murdering his wife and unborn son.
"Since you've managed to lose all of my confidence in you, what I want to know is where's my daughter at, Scott?" Rocha demanded, according to the transcript.
"I wish I knew, Mom," Peterson said. "I wish I knew where she is."
The conversation quickly escalated despite Peterson's repeated claims of innocence.
"You are such a f---ing liar. You make me sick, Scott," Rocha said. "Tell me where Laci is. I want to be able to bury my daughter. Now tell me what you did with her."
Laci Peterson's body and that of her fetus washed up on the San Francisco Bay in April 2003.
Scott Peterson faces the death penalty if convicted.
