Scott Peterson was found guilty today of murdering his wife, Laci, and the couple's fetus by a California jury. The jury split it's decision as to premeditation, convicting Peterson of first degree murder of Laci but second degree or unpremedicated murder of the fetus which the couple had planned to name Connor.

Laci Peterson had disappeared on or about December 24, 2002 when she was in the eight month of pregnancy. Scott Peterson had claimed he was out fishing by himself when his wife disappeared but jurrors did not find that to be a credible alibi.

Peterson was involved in an extramartial affair with Amber Frey and the prosecution suggested that Peterson killed his wife to avoid being tied down to his marriage and impending fatherhood. Frey did not attend the reading of the verdict.

The case had taken on a circus atmosphere throughout and was followed closely by the media and broadcast live on Court TV. Three jurrors were dismissed from the jury by the judge during deliberations including the jury foreman.

Peterson may face the death penalty as a result of the first degree murder conviction. The jury must now determine if Peterson will be put to death by lethal injection or face life in prison without parole.