Bio

Robert John Peernock was born January 01, 1937 and lived in Tarzana, Los Angeles, California. He had a diverse career and worked as a pyrotechnics engineer, which is a specialist in using fireworks. He also worked for the California Department of Water Resources.

As a child, information about Peernock’s early life is limited. He grew up in a community where he later built a family. Peernock married Claire Laurence, and they had three children together, one of whom was Natasha Peernock Sims. The family lived in Saugus, California, where they encountered various challenges.

During their marriage, Peernock and Claire experienced marital difficulties. They began the process of separating, which led to tensions in the family. Claire sought protective custody for herself and their children due to concerns about Peernock's behavior. This difficult period in their lives set the stage for the events that would eventually unfold.

Peernock's background as a pyrotechnics engineer may suggest he had some technical skills and knowledge, but it is unclear how his profession influenced his personal life or relationships. Much of his later life became overshadowed by the severe actions that led to his arrest and conviction.

Murder Story

On July 22, 1987, Claire Laurence Peernock and her daughter, Natasha Peernock, were found in a crashed car near Tuxford Street in Los Angeles, California. The car, a 1971 Cadillac, had struck a utility pole. Both Claire and Natasha were covered in gasoline, and the inside of the car was also drenched in the flammable liquid. An explosive device had been placed on the gas tank, designed to detonate upon impact, but it did not work. Claire died from severe head injuries that were inconsistent with those typically seen in traffic accidents, while Natasha survived but suffered serious injuries.

Authorities learned that Claire had sought protective custody from her husband, Robert John Peernock, and they were in the process of separating. Just after Claire’s death, Peernock fled, leading to a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested on September 4, 1987.

During the investigation, it was revealed that Peernock had tried to kill both his wife and daughter for financial gain. Prosecutors claimed he had been planning to collect on life insurance policies worth over $1.5 million. It was reported that he force-fed alcohol to both Claire and Natasha before the car crash. Natasha testified that her father had restrained her with handcuffs and made her drink large amounts of liquor.

Peernock's trial began in 1991 after several evaluations to determine his competency. During the proceedings, he caused disruptions and demanded a new lawyer, claiming his attorney was conspiring against him. On October 23, 1991, he was convicted of murder and attempted murder. The court sentenced him to life in prison without the possibility of parole on October 24, 1991. His actions in court necessitated that he be restrained, and he was deemed a dangerous individual by the presiding judge.

Following the trial, Peernock was also found to have attempted to hire a fellow inmate to murder Natasha and her attorney. He died in prison in December 2021.