Unearthing Disturbing Details in Sherri Rasmussen’s 1986 Homicide Case
The shocking homicide of Sherri Rasmussen in 1986 captured the attention of Los Angeles and remains a cautionary tale about investigative shortcomings and the transformative power of forensic science. Rasmussen was a 29-year-old nursing director fatally attacked on February 24, 1986, in her Van Nuys condominium.
Details of Sherri Rasmussen’s Murder
On the night of her death, Sherri’s husband, John Ruetten, returned home to find chaos in their living room. There was broken glass near the sliding door, and Sherri had sustained three gunshot wounds along with a bite mark on her arm. Initially, investigators suspected a robbery gone wrong, as reports of home burglaries in the area suggested a possible motive.
Investigative Missteps
- Date of Murder: February 24, 1986
- Victim: Sherri Rasmussen
- Initial Theory: Burglary or robbery
Despite the burglary theory, Sherri’s father, Nels Rasmussen, expressed doubts. He suggested that the assailant likely knew Sherri, pointing to a former girlfriend of John, Stephanie Lazarus, as a potential suspect. However, law enforcement initially dismissed those claims, causing the case to go cold for many years.
Breakthrough in the Investigation
The case remained inactive until it was reassessed by the LAPD’s Cold Case Unit in the early 2000s. In 2004, advancements in DNA technology allowed investigators to test old samples, including the bite mark found on Sherri. This testing revealed that the attacker was a female, contradicting the initial theory of a male perpetrator involved in a burglary.
Reopening the Case
- Cold Case Review: Early 2000s
- DNA Test Result: Attacker identified as female
This new evidence led detectives back to Stephanie Lazarus. In 2009, they collected a DNA sample from a cup she had used. The match with the DNA from Sherri’s bite mark confirmed her involvement in the crime.
Trial and Conviction
On June 5, 2009, LAPD arrested Lazarus at department headquarters. The subsequent trial revealed that jealousy was a likely motive behind Sherri’s murder. On March 20, 2012, a jury convicted Lazarus of first-degree murder, resulting in a sentence of 27 years to life in prison.
Summary of Key Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Murder Date | February 24, 1986 |
| Arrest Date | June 5, 2009 |
| Conviction Date | March 20, 2012 |
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 and continues to assert her innocence. Her case illustrates the ongoing challenges in achieving justice, underscoring the role of forensic advancements in solving cold cases.
Broader Implications
The investigation into Sherri Rasmussen’s murder highlights significant issues related to law enforcement procedures. It showcases how the advancements in forensic science can lead to breakthroughs in cold cases. Moreover, the persistence of Sherri’s parents played an essential part in ensuring that the case was reopened.
This tragic story serves as a reminder of the importance of thorough investigations and the lessons learned from past mistakes. Sherri’s case continues to be discussed in criminology programs, emphasizing the need for continuous improvement in investigative practices.
