In a shocking twist that has sent ripples through the criminal justice system, Stephanie Lazarus, a former LAPD detective, has been convicted of the brutal 1986 murder of Sherri Rasmussen, after more than three decades of silence. The case, once considered a cold case, was reopened through tireless efforts by Sherri’s family and groundbreaking advancements in forensic science.
Sherri Rasmussen, a beloved nurse, was found brutally beaten and shot in her home, sparking an investigation that initially pointed to a burglary gone wrong. However, discrepancies in the evidence raised suspicions and cast doubt on this theory. Sherri’s husband, John Ruetten, came under scrutiny due to his strange behavior and polygraph results that suggested deception, though he was never charged. Despite the growing suspicions, the investigation ground to a halt, and the case went cold for years.
The breakthrough in this case came when Nels Rasmussen, Sherri’s determined father, refused to give up the fight for justice. His relentless pursuit of the truth, including his suspicions about Sherri’s stalking incidents and the involvement of John’s ex-girlfriend, Stephanie Lazarus, who was also a police officer, went largely ignored for years. In 2009, detective Jennifer Francis made a pivotal discovery: DNA evidence from a bite mark on Sherri’s body did not match any male suspects, but it pointed to an unknown female.
The investigation took a crucial turn when detective Nuttall, who later took charge, revisited the evidence and made the connection that would eventually lead to Lazarus’s arrest. The trial exposed a web of jealousy, deception, and police incompetence, culminating in Lazarus’s conviction for first-degree murder. The jury deliberated for less than a day, underscoring the overwhelming evidence that pointed directly to Lazarus.
Today, Sherri’s legacy is remembered not just through the justice her family fought for, but through the tireless pursuit of truth that ultimately exposed the killer. The case serves as a stark reminder of the failures within the justice system and the power of perseverance in seeking justice for victims. As Lazarus now faces the possibility of parole, the Rasmussen family continues to honor Sherri’s memory, ensuring that her story — and the fight for justice — will never be forgotten.
