The 1986 murder of Sherri Rasmussen stands as one of the most terrible and puzzling crimes in Los Angeles. For over twenty years, the case remained unresolved until forensic DNA analysis made it shockingly clear that her killer was none other than LAPD investigator Stephanie Lazarus. This case generated severe issues about police corruption and investigative bias in addition to exposing the horrible death of a talented young nurse.
Who Was Sherri Rasmussen?
Sherri Rae Rasmussen was born on February 7, 1957. She was a highly accomplished nurse and served as the director of critical care at Glendale Adventist Medical Center in California. Described as kind, intelligent, and dedicated to her profession, Rasmussen had an impressive career trajectory.
In November 1985, she married John Ruetten, an electrical engineer. Their marriage was expected to be a happy one, but Sherri’s life was tragically cut short just months after their wedding.
The Murder: February 24, 1986
John Ruetten left for work early on February 24, 1986, leaving Sherri alone in their apartment in Van Nuys. When he got home later that day, he saw the terrible news that his wife had been shot and severely beaten. There was evidence of a violent battle at the crime scene. Sherri suffered a gunshot wound to her chest, bruises, and defensive wounds. Her body was discovered close to the living room after the house was looted. Her car was later found abandoned after going missing.
Police initially believed the murder was the consequence of a poorly executed break-in. Two male burglars were reportedly active in the neighborhood at the time. Sherri died tragically because the LAPD thought she had surprised them during a break-in.
Early Investigation and Oversights
The crime scene did not fit the description of a normal home invasion gone wrong in a number of ways, notwithstanding the burglary scenario. Although some property was stolen and drawers were opened, priceless objects, such as Sherri’s engagement ring, were left undisturbed. Furthermore, Sherri was subjected to a degree of brutality that reflected a crime of passion rather than a random robbery.
Nels and Loretta Rasmussen, Sherri’s parents, harbored serious misgivings about John’s former girlfriend, Stephanie Lazarus. In the months preceding the murder, Nels had informed investigators on several occasions that Lazarus had been harassing Sherri. According to reports, Lazarus had threatened Sherri at work and even broke into their house without permission. But at the time, investigators were so focused on the burglary scenario that they ignored these worries.
Breakthrough in the Case: DNA Evidence
It was more than 20 years later that the case was reevaluated in 2009 by the LAPD’s Cold Case Homicide Unit during a review of cold cases. Because DNA analysis had advanced over time, forensic scientists could also look at some of the evidence obtained at the crime scene, such as a bite mark on Sherri’s body. Instead of confirming any one of the early hypotheses, DNA found in the bite mark implicated a female offender.
After receiving this information, investigators reexamined the case and made the shocking assumption that the LAPD’s Art Theft Unit’s veteran detective Stephanie Lazarus might be involved. Investigators secretly followed Lazarus and collected a DNA sample from a cup she discarded. The bite mark sample and the DNA were confirmed to match exactly.
Stephanie Lazarus’ arrest and trial
Stephanie Lazarus was taken into custody by LAPD officers at police headquarters on June 5, 2009. First-degree murder was the charge against her. Unsettling information regarding Lazarus’ fixation with John Ruetten was made public when the trial started in early 2012. The evidence presented by the prosecution indicates that Lazarus had consistently disapproved of John’s choice to wed Sherri and had viewed her as a barrier to their union.
Sherri’s parents testified throughout the trial on Lazarus’s previous threats against their daughter. Additionally, a.38 caliber revolver—a kind commonly used by LAPD officers—was verified by ballistic evidence to be the murder weapon. Shortly after the murder, Lazarus reported a similar weapon as stolen, according to the records.
After weeks of testimony and evidence, the jury found Stephanie Lazarus guilty of first-degree murder. In May 2012, she was sentenced to 27 years to life in prison.
Impact of the Case
Since it seemed that Lazarus’s employment with the Los Angeles Police Department may have shielded her from inquiry for years, the murder of Sherri Rasmussen and the cover-up that followed raised grave questions regarding police bias. Some speculated that other police officers may have purposely missed or handled crucial evidence incorrectly during the initial investigation. The case highlighted the importance of unbiased oversight in police investigations and showed how power may sometimes shield people from punishment.
Sherri’s family felt a sense of justice after Lazarus was found guilty, but it was never enough to ease their grief. The case is a powerful reminder of how advances in forensic technology may help solve even the most difficult cold cases.
Conclusion
For more than two decades, the horrible killing of Sherri Rasmussen—a crime of passion—remained unsolved due to investigative biases and a misplaced faith in police enforcement. The case’s conclusion proved the resilience of Sherri’s family and the power of modern forensic technology. Stephanie Lazarus, formerly a distinguished detective, is incarcerated for life for the 1986 murder she committed. Even while it may take some time, justice can be served, as this instance serves as a grim reminder.
