Scott Peterson Attacked in Prison by Fellow Inmate Serving Time for Gang-Related Murder
Mule Creek State Prison, CA – Scott Peterson, the infamous convicted killer serving a life sentence for the 2002 murder of his pregnant wife, Laci Peterson, and their unborn son, Conner, was the victim of an attack by a fellow inmate on March 9, 2025. The attacker, identified as Charles R. Miles, is serving a 58-year-to-life sentence for a gang-related murder conviction dating back to 2011.
The incident occurred on a recreation path within the prison grounds. According to Todd Javernick, a spokesperson for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), Miles initiated the attack on Peterson while both men were present in the recreational area.
Prison staff responded swiftly to the altercation, utilizing chemical agents and batons to subdue Miles and halt the assault. Both Miles and Peterson were immediately taken for medical evaluation. Authorities determined that each sustained only minor injuries, and both were subsequently returned to their respective housing units within the prison.
Miles received a serious rule violation for his involvement in the attack, a standard disciplinary measure for such incidents within the correctional system.
The attack on Peterson has reignited public interest in the high-profile case, which captivated the nation over two decades ago. The murder of Laci Peterson on Christmas Eve 2002, and the subsequent discovery of her body and that of her unborn son months later, led to a media frenzy and an intense investigation that ultimately resulted in Scott Peterson’s conviction.
The motive behind Miles’s attack on Peterson remains unclear, though his statement to the San Francisco Chronicle, "It was God’s plan for sure," suggests a personal conviction or belief may have fueled his actions.
Peterson was originally sentenced to death for the murders, but that sentence was overturned by the California Supreme Court in 2020. The court cited errors in jury selection as the reason for the reversal, and Peterson was subsequently resentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
The resentencing hearing in 2022 provided the first opportunity in 17 years for Laci Peterson’s family to directly address Scott Peterson in court. The family members delivered emotional statements, berating Peterson for his heinous crimes and the profound grief he inflicted upon them.
Peterson was transferred to Mule Creek State Prison from San Quentin State Prison in 2022.
Despite his conviction and life sentence, Peterson maintains his innocence. "The Innocence Project," a non-profit organization dedicated to representing individuals they believe have been wrongly convicted, has taken an interest in his case. The organization is working with Peterson to explore potential avenues for appeal and to re-examine the evidence presented at his trial.
In October of the preceding year, a California judge granted Peterson the right to a post-conviction discovery period, a legal provision required by state law for convicted felons serving sentences exceeding 15 years. This ruling allows Peterson’s legal team to access and re-examine evidence from the original investigation and trial.
However, law enforcement officials involved in the original investigation remain confident in Peterson’s guilt. Washington, D.C., homicide detective Ted Williams, who closely followed the case, told Fox News Digital that he believes any rediscovery efforts will be unfruitful. "They’ve got the right man," Williams stated, adding, "Scott Peterson murdered his wife Laci and his son Conner."
Williams has consistently argued that Peterson killed his wife and unborn son to free himself to pursue a relationship with his mistress, Amber Frey. Frey played a pivotal role in Peterson’s trial, testifying about their affair and providing crucial evidence that helped solidify the prosecution’s case against him.
The attack on Peterson in prison serves as a stark reminder of the brutality and violence that can occur within correctional facilities. It also underscores the continued public fascination with the Scott Peterson case, a saga marked by betrayal, tragedy, and legal complexities that continue to unfold years after the original crime. The attack raises questions about inmate safety, prison security protocols, and the challenges of managing a prison population that includes high-profile and controversial figures. It also provides a glimpse into the harsh realities of life behind bars, where convicted murderers often face animosity and violence from their fellow inmates.
