Oxygen Revisits 2016 Murder of St. Louis Teacher Jocelyn Peters

The case of Jocelyn Peters' killing is back in the national spotlight after being featured on Oxygen's 'A Plan to Kill' true crime series.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 1:56pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up of a single spent bullet casing, the metallic surface reflecting the harsh light of the camera flash, conveying the stark and gritty nature of the investigation into Jocelyn Peters' murder.The chilling details of Jocelyn Peters' murder, including the use of a silenced gun, expose the calculated nature of this tragic crime.St. Louis Today

The 2016 murder of 30-year-old St. Louis teacher Jocelyn Peters, who was seven months pregnant at the time, is being revisited on the Oxygen true crime series 'A Plan to Kill'. Peters was killed by a single gunshot wound to the head while sleeping in her apartment, in what investigators described as a calculated and premeditated act. Her boyfriend, Cornelius Green, a principal at a local middle school, was later arrested and convicted along with his friend Phillip Cutler for orchestrating the murder-for-hire plot.

Why it matters

The Jocelyn Peters case highlights the tragic consequences of domestic violence, the complexities of relationships involving infidelity and unplanned pregnancies, and the challenges law enforcement face in solving premeditated homicides with limited evidence. The renewed national attention on this case also raises awareness about the prevalence of intimate partner violence and the need for better support systems to protect vulnerable victims.

The details

According to investigators, Peters was killed by a single gunshot wound to the head while she was sleeping, with a potato used to silence the gun. There were no signs of forced entry, indicating the killing was a calculated and premeditated act. Authorities later determined that Peters' boyfriend, Cornelius Green, a principal at a local middle school, was involved in the murder-for-hire plot. Green had been in a relationship with Peters, who was seven months pregnant at the time, while also being married to another woman who was unaware of the affair and pregnancy. Investigators believe Green orchestrated the killing to eliminate Peters as a 'liability' and avoid the consequences of the pregnancy. Green's friend, Phillip Cutler, was also arrested and convicted for his role in carrying out the murder.

  • On April 10, 2016, Jocelyn Peters was killed in her St. Louis apartment.
  • In 2016, Cornelius Green and Phillip Cutler were arrested and later convicted for the murder of Jocelyn Peters.

The players

Jocelyn Peters

A 30-year-old third-grade teacher in St. Louis who was seven months pregnant at the time of her murder.

Cornelius Green

The principal at Carr Lane Visual & Performing Arts Middle School in St. Louis, who was in a relationship with Jocelyn Peters and orchestrated her murder.

Phillip Cutler

Cornelius Green's friend who was involved in carrying out the murder of Jocelyn Peters.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“A single gunshot wound through her eye… A potato was used to silence the gun.”

— Mark Biondolino, Retired St. Louis Police Detective

“She was sound asleep and just ambushed in her own bed.”

— Investigator

“He arrived at the conclusion that Jocelyn Peters was a liability.”

— Rod Hoevet, Forensic Psychologist

“I do not believe this poor woman ever knew what hit her.”

— Brian McGlynn, St. Louis Police Sergeant

What’s next

The Oxygen series 'A Plan to Kill' continues to air new episodes that revisit the Jocelyn Peters murder case, providing further details and analysis from law enforcement and experts.

The takeaway

The tragic murder of Jocelyn Peters highlights the devastating consequences of domestic violence, the complexities of relationships involving infidelity and unplanned pregnancies, and the critical need for better support systems to protect vulnerable victims. This case serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of addressing these issues and ensuring justice is served.