Sharon Rocha

Sharon Rocha is the mother of Laci Peterson and the grandmother of Laci's unborn son, Conner. Laci and Conner were murdered on Christmas Eve in 2002. This murder case received worldwide publicity that forced Rocha and her family into the media spotlight. Despite her personal tragedy, Rocha never lost sight of what had to be done to bring the killer of her daughter and unborn grandson to justice. Laci's husband was convicted of this crime and sentenced to death. 

Despite the tragic loss of her loved ones, Rocha displayed unstoppable courage and resolve in many endeavors that undoubtedly assisted her in dealing with her grief, while at the same time assisting other crime victims. Along with several other families of victims, she lobbied for the Unborn Victims of Violence Act, which was signed into law by President Bush and is now known as "Laci and Conner's Law." Rocha has written letters to officials in several other states to lobby for similar state laws regarding fetal homicide. She joined the Sund/Carrington Foundation as a board member in March 2005. 

Rocha is continuing her work as an advocate for victims' rights. She currently works with the Stanislaus County District Attorney's Office to author new laws for victims' rights in California. The intent of these laws is to ensure that victims and their families have access to the court process. California law is vague on the rights of victims and victims' families to be present during the court process because of issues or potential conflicts, including being a subpoenaed witness, or, in the case of a high-profile trial, the limited number of seats available in the courtroom. If these new laws are successful, victims' family members will have access to court hearings even if they are subpoenaed witnesses, and will be ensured seating, even in high-profile cases. 

Rocha has vowed to help causes related to victims' rights, domestic violence, and protecting the unborn from violent crime. She plans to continue to use her tragic loss and experiences with the criminal justice system to do what she can to assist other victims. 

In December 2005, Rocha founded, in memory of Laci and Conner, The Laci and Conner Search and Rescue Fund. The fund is a program under the Carole Sund/Carrington Foundation to provide financial assistance to law enforcement and nonprofit search and rescue organizations for training, equipment, and other necessary items that can help improve their search and rescue efforts. 

Rocha was nominated by Carol Shipley, Assistant District Attorney, Stanislaus County District Attorney's Office, Modesto, California.