Rock Springs, Wyoming – Davida Peterson, a mother of four, wasn’t supposed to work the night of May 8, 1999, at the V-I Propane C-Store on Ninth Street in Rock Springs. Her coworker called in sick to go see male strippers, prompting Peterson to step in despite her daughter, Jenny Sanders, expressing a bad feeling about her mother going to work that night. Peterson reassured her daughter, stating they needed the money, and Sanders stayed home to watch her niece.
Tragically, that night, two armed robbers entered the gas station, shot Peterson in the head, and fled with less than $300. Peterson fought for her life for almost a year but eventually succumbed to her injuries on April 29, 2000, at the age of 41. The unsolved murder has weighed heavily on Peterson’s family and the Rock Springs community for the past 25 years.
Fast forward to the present day, the Rock Springs Police Department has assigned a new detective, Jennifer Saloga, to reexamine the case. This comes after years of frustration from Linda Beauchamp, Peterson’s older sister and the family spokesperson, who has been critical of the previous detective, Steve Reekers, for his performance and lack of communication.
Saloga, while declining to provide details on the case due to the ongoing investigation, believes that there are missing pieces in the community that could lead to solving the case. Beauchamp shares this sentiment, expressing hope that someone out there knows something crucial to bring closure to Peterson’s murder.
Over the years, various theories and leads have surfaced, including suspects identified in Utah and the speculation surrounding Peterson’s ex-husband, which Beauchamp and Sanders believe to be innocent. Despite these leads, no one has been charged in connection to Peterson’s murder, leaving the family and community yearning for answers.
The tragedy of Peterson’s senseless death continues to haunt her family, with a sense of injustice prevailing. The community, too, still feels the impact, as Peterson’s murder left an indelible mark on Rock Springs. As hope lingers for answers, the dedication of the new detective and the desire for closure remain strong among those affected by Peterson’s untimely passing.
As the investigation continues, the Rock Springs Police Department urges anyone with information related to the case to contact Detective Jennifer Saloga. The quest for justice for Davida Peterson remains unresolved, but with renewed efforts and community support, there is optimism that closure may finally be within reach.