Alright, now, LOOK: when Orenthal Simpson murdered his ex-wife and her boyfriend, it was news (first) because he was famous. When JonBenet Ramsey was murdered by [someone who spent the time to make multiple drafts of a ransom letter on a notepad in her house, citing the exact amount of her father's Christmas bonus], it was interesting because ---well, who knew that rich suburban mothers sexualized their six year-old daughters that way? And when Gary Condit lied about his involvement with that nice Jewish girl, it was sorta interesting (to some) because he was obviously hiding something. Oh, and because he was a U.S. Congressman.
But what is the social or cultural relevance of the murder of Laci Peterson? What is the hook? I don't mean to be crass or glib or callous, but why is her murder of such excessive interest to this society? I know that she was pregnant and went missing just before Christmas, but is that what's driving this story? It's honestly a mystery to me. Yes, she was a beautiful woman. Yes, her disappearance (and, now, murder) are a great shame and difficult to understand. And, yes, her husband's behavior has been nothing but weird and disconnected...so maybe that's it. Maybe everyone knows he did it and have been waiting for the denouement. Well, here it is, folks. Now, how about killing the lights and letting her family grieve in peace?