Full Breakdown
The Murder of Jocelyn Peters: A Tragic Case of Betrayal
3/15/2026, 2:26:11 PM
Overview of the Case
The murder of Jocelyn Peters, a third-grade teacher from St. Louis, Missouri, shocked her community when she was found dead in her apartment on March 24, 2016. At the time of her death, Peters was 31 weeks pregnant with her child, Micah Leigh. The investigation revealed a disturbing murder-for-hire plot orchestrated by her boyfriend, Cornelius Green, who was also a principal at a local school.
Key Details of the Crime
Jocelyn Peters was discovered shot in her apartment, with no signs of forced entry. The crime scene contained unusual evidence, including potato fragments, which were later identified as having been used as a silencer for the murder weapon. Cornelius Green, who reported the murder to the police, initially claimed to have been in Chicago at the time of the incident. However, investigators soon uncovered that he had hired his childhood friend, Phillip Cutler, to carry out the killing.
The Murder-for-Hire Plot
Cornelius Green had attempted to poison Jocelyn previously but failed. When he decided to escalate his plan, he contacted Cutler, offering him $2,500 to commit the murder. Cutler traveled from Muskogee, Oklahoma, to St. Louis, where he was given access to Jocelyn's apartment and Cornelius's car. On the day of the murder, Cutler shot Jocelyn while she was preparing for her baby shower, then disposed of evidence afterward.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
Both Green and Cutler faced serious charges following the investigation. Cutler was arrested in June 2016 and charged with two counts of first-degree murder and armed criminal action. Green was arrested later that year for stealing funds from his school, which led to the discovery of his involvement in the murder. In February 2024, Green pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire and was sentenced to two consecutive life terms in June 2024. Cutler received the same sentence.
Family Impact and Community Reaction
The murder deeply affected Jocelyn's family, particularly her mother, Lacey Peters, who has been vocal about her grief and the impact of the tragedy. During the sentencing hearing, she expressed her heartbreak, stating, “All she ever did was love him and she loved that baby so much.” The case has left a lasting mark on the St. Louis community, which continues to remember Jocelyn's contributions as a dedicated teacher.
Official Statements and Responses
The case was featured in the CBS program "48 Hours: Jocelyn Peters and the Notebook," which highlighted the investigation and the unusual evidence found at the crime scene. The episode included interviews with family members and law enforcement officials involved in the case.
Verbatim Quotes
- “All she ever did was love him and she loved that baby so much,” — Lacey Peters, Mother of Jocelyn Peters
- “Jocelyn had a light around her at all times” — Dedra Peters, Aunt of Jocelyn Peters
Conclusion
The tragic murder of Jocelyn Peters serves as a stark reminder of the complexities of personal relationships and the devastating consequences of betrayal. Both Cornelius Green and Phillip Cutler are currently serving life sentences for their roles in this heinous crime, ensuring that the memory of Jocelyn Peters and her unborn child will not be forgotten.
