'Worst Roommate Ever': Where is Scott Edmund Pettigrew now? Hit Netflix show returns with chilling slaying
CATHEDRAL CITY, CALIFORNIA: The second season of 'Worst Roommate Ever' is about to premiere on Netflix, and fans will be exposed to the story of a Cathedral City man who fatally beat his landlady.
In 2019, a jury convicted a Cathedral City man of murdering his roommate in 2016. Scott Edmund Pettigrew was convicted of all counts, including murder, elder abuse, and breaking a protection order.
At the drugstore where they both worked, Anita Mimie Cowen got to know Scott. She rented out one of her bedrooms to him in February 2016, since they were coworkers, after his eviction from his last home due to a fight with a neighbor.
Although at first, they appeared to get along well, within a few months things began to shift. Anita asked for and was partially granted a restraining order against Scott just days before she was slain.
Why did Anita Mimie Cowen seek a restraining order against Scott Edmund Pettigrew?
In her documents, Anita stated that Scott stopped paying rent after the first month but continued to dwell on the property. She said he stole her food, utensils, and other belongings from the residence and refused to return them when questioned.
According to her, Scott threw water on her computer and even removed the batteries from her phones. Furthermore, Scott owned two pet dogs that Anita claimed he would never allow out, resulting in them defecating inside the house.
He also intimidated Anita and falsely accused her of allowing the dogs to go.
According to court filings, "I am being terrorized daily in my own home," Cowen said. "Escalating each day. I need help. I need a restraining order."
Nevertheless, the judge simply ordered the dogs removed from the property and allowed Scott to dwell at Anita's house as long as he kept a five-yard distance from her. Sadly, Anita was murdered only four days after the judgment.
How did Anita Mimie Cowen die?
Anita resided in Cathedral City, California. After raising two children by herself, she purchased a home in Cathedral City that she was eager to live in.
Anita was characterized as someone who was pleasant and enjoyed helping others. The 65-year-old worked part-time at a nearby pharmacy and rented out the other bedrooms in her three-bedroom apartment to help pay off the mortgage.
However, her quest for a new beginning ended tragically on June 14, 2016.
Anita's family requested a welfare check at her home after hearing an altercation while she was on the phone with them. The police were called at about 11.39 pm that night, but there was no answer at the door.
They could see dogs in the house. When the officers entered the backyard, they discovered Anita floating face-down in her pool, unconscious.
She had bruises on her shoulders, scrapes on her face, and clumps of hair missing from her scalp.
When the cops entered the house through the rear entrance, there was evidence of a violent battle. In addition to shattered glass and other items, human hair was discovered on the property's floor.
It was evident that there had been an altercation inside the residence. Anita was declared dead at 12.17 am on June 15, and the killer was discovered inside one of the bedrooms.
Audio recording found at the murder site of Anita Mimie Cowen
When officers entered the residence, they discovered Scott lying on his bed, with scratches on his back, chest, and fingers. The authorities discovered a digital audio recorder at the site.
They suspected the tape found on it was of Scott assaulting Anita.
A lady can be heard screaming and requesting that someone keep away from her. It lasted approximately a minute before stopping abruptly.
Scott Edmund Pettigrew eligible for parole in 2035
In August 2019, Scott was convicted of murder, elder abuse, and breaking a court order. A few months later, he was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison.
The court stated throughout the hearing, "The victim was particularly vulnerable. The defendant did take advantage of the position of trust or confidence to commit the offense."
According to jail records, Scott is still detained at the California State Jail - Corcoran, in Kings County, California. He'll be eligible for parole in December 2035.
'Worst Roommate Ever' Season 2 will premiere on Netflix on June 26