Could a clandestine affair, fueled by jealousy and betrayal, really lead to a brutal murder? The tragic case of Sherri Rasmussen, brutally slain in 1986, remains a chilling testament to the dark corners of the human heart.
The shadows of the past often cast long and unforgiving silhouettes. In the sun-drenched, seemingly idyllic landscape of Southern California, a tale of love, deception, and ultimate violence unfolded, leaving a family shattered and a community reeling. The central figure in this grim narrative is Stephanie Ilene Lazarus, a veteran LAPD detective, whose life took a dramatic and devastating turn with the murder of Sherri Rasmussen. While John, understandably, prefers to keep his private life well away from the limelight these days, it is known that the Escondido, California resident has long remarried and now has a family of his own.
The story begins in Van Nuys, California, on February 24, 1986, when Sherri Rasmussen was found murdered in her condominium. She had been shot multiple times and beaten in a struggle. The crime scene, initially investigated as a burglary gone awry, presented a complex puzzle to the authorities. The garage door for unit 205 was open, and Sherri Rasmussens 1985 BMWRuettens engagement gift to herwas missing. Glass fragments glittered on the asphalt, adding to the disarray. The body of the young woman, a nursing supervisor, was discovered by her husband, John Ruetten, who had been married to her for only three months.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the police investigation stalled, and the case went vacant for many years. The files gathered dust, and the questions surrounding Sherri's death remained unanswered. The case seemed to be forgotten, a cold case file gathering dust in the annals of the LAPD. But the truth, as it often does, eventually emerged from the shadows.
Then, in 2009, the case was reopened, and a shocking twist emerged: suspicion fell on Stephanie Lazarus, a fellow LAPD officer and the former girlfriend of John Ruetten. Lazarus was arrested on murder charges on June 9, 2009, in Los Angeles, California. The arrest sent shockwaves through the department and the community. The woman charged with the murder was a veteran detective, a colleague, and someone who was entrusted with upholding the law.
The details that subsequently surfaced painted a picture of jealousy, rivalry, and ultimately, murder. It was revealed that Lazarus had been in a relationship with John Ruetten before he married Sherri Rasmussen. After the murder of Sherri Rasmussen, Lazarus married another LAPD detective, Scott Young, whom she married in 1989, just three years after the murder of Sherri Rasmussen. Despite the conviction and the shocking nature of her crime, Young has stood by Lazarus throughout the trial and appeals process.
The evidence presented during the trial painted a chilling picture. The DNA found at the crime scene linked Lazarus to the murder. Moreover, it was revealed that Sherri had been the subject of Lazarus's anger and the victim of her violent jealousy. The prosecution argued that Lazarus, consumed by her possessiveness over John Ruetten, had taken the ultimate step to eliminate her rival.
At her first parole hearing in November 2023, Lazarus publicly admitted that she had killed the 29-year-old Sherri Rasmussen. However, during the trial, she had blamed her trial attorney for her decision to go forward with a trial that traumatized the victims family. Sherri Rasmussen's widower urged the state's parole board Tuesday to not grant parole for Stephanie Ilene Lazarus, who admitted to callously murdering the nurse. Lazarus was ultimately convicted in 2012 of killing Sherri Rasmussen, a nurse who was bludgeoned and shot to death in the condo she shared with her husband of three months, John Ruetten. Lazarus is now 64 and serving a 27-year-to-life sentence. She was found suitable for parole in November.
The impact of this case extended far beyond the courtroom. The family of Sherri Rasmussen suffered a devastating loss. Nels and Loretta Rasmussen welcomed a little bundle of joy into the world on February 7, 1957, in Walla Walla, Washington, in the form of Sherri Rae Rasmussen. Sherri was the sister of two siblings, Teresa and Connie, and she was known to be a compassionate, hardworking, and kind woman. Teresa and Connie suffered a couple of huge losses in a span of two years as they lost their father, Nels Rasmussen, on June 20, 2020, and their mother, Loretta Rasmussen, after a couple of years, on September 1, 2022.
The case of Sherri Rasmussen, and the conviction of Stephanie Lazarus, serves as a stark reminder of the complex nature of human relationships, and the devastating consequences that can arise when jealousy and betrayal take root. It is a tragedy that has left an enduring mark on all those involved.
| Bio Data | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Stephanie Ilene Lazarus |
| Date of Birth | Not Publicly Available |
| Age (as of 2024) | Approximately 64 |
| Residence | Escondido, California (while John Ruetten, her former lover and Sherri Rasmussen's husband, resides) |
| Marital Status | Married to Scott Young |
| Children | Adopted a young girl |
| Occupation | Former LAPD Detective |
| Known For | Conviction for the murder of Sherri Rasmussen |
| Conviction | First-degree murder |
| Sentence | 27 years to life |
| Parole Status | Found suitable for parole in November 2023, decision pending |
| Known Relationship | Former girlfriend of John Ruetten; Married to Scott Young |
| Key Events | Arrested June 9, 2009; Convicted in 2012; Admitted to killing Sherri Rasmussen at parole hearing in November 2023 |
| Victim | Sherri Rasmussen |
| Crime Scene | Sherri Rasmussen's condominium in Van Nuys, California |
| Reference | Wikipedia |
The case, as it unfolded, provided several revelations about the events that transpired on that fateful day, February 24, 1986. The investigation had initially focused on a possible burglary, as the crime scene suggested a struggle and potential theft. Sherri had been shot three times and beaten. The case went cold, remaining unsolved for many years.
The breakthrough in the case came when investigators re-examined evidence and discovered DNA evidence linking Lazarus to the crime scene. The DNA had been collected but not matched to a suspect at the time of the initial investigation. The evidence was irrefutable, and Lazarus, the LAPD detective, was arrested.
The trial that followed was a media sensation. The courtroom was packed with spectators eager to hear the details of this extraordinary case. During the trial, the prosecution painted a picture of a woman driven by jealousy. They presented evidence of Lazarus's relationship with John Ruetten, Sherri's husband, before the marriage. They argued that Lazarus had been unable to accept Ruetten's rejection and had plotted to eliminate Sherri.
The defense, on the other hand, attempted to cast doubt on the evidence. They raised questions about the DNA analysis and presented alternate theories about the events of that day. However, the jury was not convinced. After a lengthy deliberation, they found Lazarus guilty of first-degree murder.
The conviction was a significant moment for the Rasmussen family. The family of Sherri Rasmussen was hugely relieved when stephanie was finally convicted for the 1986 murder of sherri rasmussen in 2012. "To the family of sherri rasmussen, i am truly sorry for the loss of your wife, of your daughter," as Lazarus stated at the time. Sherri had been a loving wife, daughter, and sister. The news of her murder had shattered the family. The conviction brought a measure of closure.
However, the legal process did not end with the conviction. The appeals process continued, as Lazarus sought to overturn her sentence. Despite these legal challenges, the family remained resolute in their quest for justice for Sherri. Sherri rasmussen's widower urged the state's parole board tuesday to not grant parole for stephanie ilene lazarus, who admitted to callously murdering the nurse. The court denied the appeals, and the conviction was upheld.
The case of Sherri Rasmussen and Stephanie Lazarus is a tragic reminder of the destructive power of jealousy and the devastating consequences of violence. It is a cautionary tale that highlights the importance of resolving conflicts in a peaceful manner. It serves as a stark reminder of the importance of seeking justice for victims and ensuring that those responsible for violent crimes are held accountable.
Even after all these years, the story of Sherri Rasmussen continues to resonate with the public. The case has been featured in numerous documentaries and true crime shows, drawing attention to the complexities of the case.
The legacy of this tragic event lives on. The memory of Sherri Rasmussen and the fight for justice continues to inspire those who seek to uncover the truth and provide justice. The murder of Sherri Rasmussen and the subsequent conviction of Stephanie Lazarus remain a dark chapter in the history of Los Angeles, a testament to the fragility of life, and the enduring pursuit of truth and justice.
