The big deal? It could be your wife and child. That's why Laci Peterson's fate has evoked such universal human interest. We identify with her because it could happen any time to a loved one in our family, whether its a spouse or a child.
problem is, there are scores of similar events every year that go utterly uncovered except, perhaps, locally.
dep
I understand your response that it could be my wife and child. Yes, it could be. But the point is, there are many, many others who suffer the same, but don't seem to merit the same level of "help" from the media. I would dare say that the media don't give a rat's rear end about Laci. It's a story, something they can use to get ratings.
Sorry that I sound so cynical, but would you disagree with me, honestly?