The murder of Cara Knott: 36 years later



Thirty six years ago on December 27, 1986, a 20-year-old San Diego State student was murdered by an on-duty California Highway Patrol officer in North County.

After strangling Cara Knott and dumping her body off Interstate 15, officer Craig Peyer continued his shift as if nothing had happened.

In this story from the CBS 8 archives, we look back at the case, after two trials, as our Chris Saunders reported.

MORE: https://www.cbs8.com/article/news/crime/36-years-since-san-diego-state-student-cara-knott-was-killed-by-chp-officer/509-93b8e1c0-4cbf-485b-97e2-0e8c38131c31

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24 thoughts on “The murder of Cara Knott: 36 years later”

  1. Two weeks before she was murdered I stopped at the Dennys near where she was killed. Sitting next to me was two Highway Patrolmen. I am a former Military Policeman myself and have experience in public relations. As I waited to order I saw the officer next to me murmur something to the waitress and he barked 'COME BACK HERE!!' and actually reached a hand over the counter as she backed away – shaking her head. I said to him 'I thought you were the good guys.' He smirked and leans over to me, real close and says 'That's just a myth. I could smell whiskey on his breath.

    I left — and once outside, turned around and said to myself, 'something is very wrong here.' I called Highway Patrol and reported the incident. Two weeks later I saw his face on TV being interviewed by local media since this was his patrol route. He had a scratch on his face. Shortly afterwards he was charged with her murder. I am wondering if my report gave investigators a clue. I also told the Highway Patrol that the other officer just sat there grinning the entire time.

    No one ever called me about it.

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  2. I remember this I lived of san Vincente in Ramona California, I would not pull over on that black street I was told if I don't stop they would have shot me. Why can't I drive to safe place like 711, I'm not pulling over on black streets, fuck men

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  3. I hope they don't let him out. He won't ever change. I think this is what happened to the Idaho college kids. It's probably an officer who got sick and tired of noise complaints.

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  4. AND WHAT–IF ANYTHING–IS LEARNED? 1. Always have a CHARGED cell phone and whether or not you did, TELL a cop you called it in as he is pulling you over. A good cop (99 percent or more are–we all know that) will have no problem with you calling it in, the odd ball with have to think twice when you say that.

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  5. How did someone like him get 25 to life? A law enforcement officer should be held to a higher standard. Life with no parole is still to good for that scum but better than the family having to know he has a chance of getting out someday. I hope he’s someone’s bitch in the joint.

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  6. Keep in mind every few years this animal comes up for parole and the family is forced to go to the prison to help fight to keep this animal in jail. That’s why we need more use of the death penalty

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  7. I remember this well, as her and I were close to the same age. My mom worried relentlessly every time I would drive the 15 going to San Diego.
    I still think of her every time I pass by there, which is often.
    I come from a family of law enforcement, so it shook us up and made us question our trust.
    RIP Miss Knott.

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