On August 8, 2013, the peaceful neighborhood of Modesto, California, was shaken by the tragic deaths of Janet Pettit and her husband, Scott Pettit. Both 59 years old, Janet and Scott were well-respected members of their community. Janet worked as a neonatal nurse practitioner and clinical nurse specialist at Doctors Medical Center in Modesto, while Scott was a martial arts instructor who owned the Riverbank Black Belt Academy.
The couple was found dead in their home after a fire broke out in the early morning hours. Initially, the incident appeared to be a tragic accident, but further investigation revealed a much darker reality.
Authorities discovered that Janet and Scott had been shot to death before the fire was set. Scott was shot five times, including twice in the head, while Janet was shot twice, in the head and thigh. The fire was determined to be intentional, as accelerants were found on their clothing and furniture. The investigation quickly turned into a homicide case, and suspicion fell on their son, Brandon Pettit, and his friend, Felix Valverde III. Brandon, who had been diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, was living with his parents at the time and had a history of financial difficulties and strained relationships with his parents.
Brandon Pettit and Felix Valverde were arrested about a week and a half after the murders. The police believed that Brandon had conspired with Felix to kill his parents for financial gain, hoping to inherit their life insurance and sell his father's vintage cars. Brandon was working the night shift as a security guard when the murders occurred, but phone records and other evidence suggested his involvement. Felix was found with the Pettits' wallets and keys to their home, further implicating him in the crime. Both Brandon and Felix were charged with premeditated murder, arson, and burglary.
The case went to trial, and in September 2020, Brandon Pettit was found guilty of two counts of first-degree murder. He was sentenced to two consecutive life terms without the possibility of parole in February 2021. However, in October 2022, Brandon's conviction was overturned by the California Court of Appeal due to a Miranda violation, and prosecutors announced their intention to retry the case. Felix Valverde, who was initially found incompetent to stand trial, remains in a state hospital to restore competency.
The Pettit murder case remains a deeply unsettling chapter in Modesto's history, highlighting the complexities of familial relationships and the devastating impact of mental health issues. The community continues to grapple with the loss of Janet and Scott Pettit, as the legal proceedings surrounding their deaths unfold.
