More on the Cold Case Unit: Santa Clara County Cold Case Unit
A Life Lost Too Soon
A family member remembered Peterson as “a beautiful and wonderful person who is missed dearly.” She had stayed in her classroom to clean when she encountered Nickerson.
“Detectives at the time theorized that Diane inadvertently interrupted a drug deal on campus,” said Deputy District Attorney Rob Baker. “While the motive remains unclear, the evidence now points clearly to Nickerson.”
Nickerson’s life spiraled after the murder. He was involved in multiple violent crimes—including kidnapping and armed robbery—and was critically injured in a drug-related shootout in 1984 before dying by suicide nearly a decade later.
Justice, Even After Decades
While Peterson’s killer can no longer be tried, her case’s resolution represents a significant moment of closure for her family and the community.
“Nearly five decades have passed since a young teacher’s life was tragically taken,” Chief Joseph added. “We hope this resolution brings a measure of peace to the victim’s loved ones and to a community that has carried this loss for far too long.”
