Peter Theriault, a 51-year-old Army veteran, was last seen on December 2, 1998, in Irvine, California. Theriault lived with his girlfriend, Judy Valot, at the time. His sudden disappearance raised concerns when he failed to show up for his night shift at a Ford plant, something highly unusual for him. Valot initially claimed that Theriault had left after an argument, but her behavior and delayed reporting of his disappearance, combined with inconsistencies in her story, led to suspicion.
Blood evidence found in Theriault's garage and car, along with other circumstantial evidence, implicated Valot. Investigators believed she killed Theriault out of jealousy, suspecting he was having an affair, although there was no evidence to support this claim. Despite multiple searches, Theriault's body was never recovered, but it is suspected that he was buried somewhere in the desert between Irvine and Blythe, California.
Valot was eventually convicted of second-degree murder in 2000, but her conviction was overturned. She was retried and convicted again in 2005, receiving a sentence of 15 years to life. Despite her conviction, she has consistently denied involvement, and Theriault’s remains have never been found. The case is remembered for its complex legal proceedings and the absence of a body or murder weapon.
Last Seen: Dec 2, 1998
