In 1986, the murder of Sherri Rasmussen, a 29-year-old nursing director, shocked the Los Angeles community. The incident took place on February 24, 1986, inside her Van Nuys condominium. Sherri was brutally beaten and shot, an event that initially left investigators believing it was a burglary gone wrong. However, a groundbreaking DNA discovery would change everything decades later.
Details of the Crime
The evening of Sherri’s death, her husband, John Ruetten, returned home to find the living room in disarray. Notably, there was broken glass around the sliding door, and Sherri had suffered three gunshot wounds along with a bite mark on her arm. Initially, investigators theorized that burglars had confronted Sherri during a break-in. Reports of a series of local burglaries seemed to support this theory.
The Investigation Unfolds
- Time of Murder: February 24, 1986
- Victim: Sherri Rasmussen
- Suspected Break-in: Assumed to be a robbery
However, Sherri’s father, Nels Rasmussen, expressed skepticism. He believed that the killer knew Sherri personally and pointed to Stephanie Lazarus, a former girlfriend of John, as a potential suspect. Investigators dismissed these claims, leading to the case going cold for many years.
The Role of DNA Evidence
The Rasmussen case remained dormant until the LAPD’s Cold Case Unit revisited it in the early 2000s. In 2004, advancements in forensic science allowed old DNA samples, including the bite mark from Sherri, to be tested. The shocking result indicated the attacker was a woman, thus countering the initial burglary theory.
Reopening the Case
- Cold Case Review: Early 2000s
- DNA Test Result: Attacker identified as female
Detectives re-evaluated potential female suspects, which led them back to Stephanie Lazarus. In 2009, LAPD collected a DNA sample from a cup she used, and the results matched the DNA from Sherri’s bite mark, confirming her involvement.
Trial and Conviction
On June 5, 2009, Stephanie Lazarus was arrested at LAPD headquarters. The trial that followed revealed a jealousy-fueled motive for Sherri’s murder. On March 20, 2012, a jury convicted her of first-degree murder. She received a sentence of 27 years to life.
Impact of the Investigation
- Murder Date: February 24, 1986
- Arrest Date: June 5, 2009
- Conviction Date: March 20, 2012
This case highlighted significant issues within the LAPD’s investigative procedures and raised questions about how personal relationships can hinder justice. The perseverance of Sherri’s parents, who pushed for the case to be reopened, also played a crucial role in its resolution.
Current Status of Stephanie Lazarus
As of 2025, Stephanie Lazarus remains incarcerated at the California Institution for Women in Chino. She has been denied parole multiple times, maintaining her innocence throughout. Her case continues to serve as a reminder of the justice system’s capacity for error and the importance of forensic advancements.
Broader Implications
The investigation into Sherri Rasmussen’s murder emphasizes the transformative impact of forensic science on cold cases. It also sheds light on institutional failures in law enforcement. Today, the case remains a subject of study in criminology programs, showcasing the lessons learned from prejudice and the necessity for thorough investigation.
Overall, Sherri Rasmussen’s tragic story illustrates how relentless pursuit for truth and justice, supported by scientific innovation, can ultimately prevail, leading to the long-awaited resolution of a chilling crime.
