Introduction

Sherri Rasmussen was a young, vibrant woman whose life was tragically cut short at the age of 29. On February 24, 1986, she was found murdered in her home in Los Angeles, California. The case remained unsolved for over two decades, becoming one of Los Angeles’s most infamous cold cases. The persistence of her family and advancements in forensic science eventually led to a breakthrough, uncovering a story of obsession, betrayal, and a struggle for justice. Sherri’s case highlights significant issues within the criminal justice system and the importance of DNA evidence in solving crimes. This blog post aims to honor Sherri Rasmussen’s memory by recounting her life, the circumstances of her untimely death, and the legacy she leaves behind.

Early Life and Career

Sherri Rasmussen was born on February 7, 1957, in California, growing up in a nurturing environment that valued education and personal growth. Her early life was marked by academic achievement and a profound inclination towards helping others, traits that would define her both personally and professionally. Sherri was known among her peers for her intelligence, kindness, and a strong sense of moral integrity, characteristics that endeared her to many throughout her life.

Excelling in her studies, Sherri pursued a career in nursing, driven by a passion to make a tangible difference in people’s lives. Her dedication to her education was evident in her early graduation from high school, followed by her rapid advancement through college. Sherri earned a degree in nursing, showcasing not only her academic prowess but also her deep commitment to caregiving and patient advocacy.

Her career took a notable path as she quickly rose through the ranks in the healthcare industry, becoming a respected figure in her field. At the time of her death, she was serving as the director of critical care nursing at Glendale Adventist Medical Center. In this role, Sherri was responsible for overseeing the critical care department, a testament to her exceptional skills, leadership qualities, and the high regard in which she was held by her colleagues and superiors alike.

Sherri’s career was more than just a job; it was a calling. She was deeply invested in the well-being of her patients, often going above and beyond to ensure they received the best possible care. Her approach to nursing was holistic, considering the emotional and psychological needs of her patients in addition to their physical health. This compassionate approach to care left a lasting impact on many, earning her the admiration and respect of those who worked with her and those she cared for.

Despite her demanding career, Sherri maintained a balanced life, cherishing time with her family and friends. She was known for her vibrant personality, her love of life, and her ability to bring joy to those around her. Sherri’s early life and career were a reflection of her character: dedicated, compassionate, and profoundly impactful. Her legacy in the nursing field and the memories shared by those who knew her continue to inspire and resonate long after her untimely death.

The Crime

The murder of Sherri Rasmussen was a chilling and tragic event that unfolded on February 24, 1986, in the quiet Los Angeles neighborhood of Van Nuys. Sherri, at the age of 29, was at the prime of her life, both personally and professionally. That morning, her husband, John Ruetten, left for work, leaving Sherri at home. Little did he know, it would be the last time he would see his wife alive.

The day of the crime, Sherri was supposed to attend a meeting but unexpectedly decided to stay home due to feeling unwell. This decision placed her in the path of her assailant, leading to a confrontation that would end in tragedy. When John returned home that evening, he was met with a scene of utter devastation. Sherri’s lifeless body was found in their living room, showing signs of a violent struggle. The initial observation suggested that Sherri had been brutally beaten and shot three times in the chest at close range, a clear indication that the attack was both personal and intended to be lethal.

The crime scene was chaotic, with evidence of a fierce struggle between Sherri and her attacker. Furniture was overturned, and personal items were scattered throughout the living area, suggesting that Sherri had fought valiantly for her life. Despite the apparent robbery motive, with the house ransacked and Sherri’s car stolen, detectives later questioned this narrative, considering the personal nature of the violence inflicted.

In the immediate aftermath, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) focused on the theory of a botched burglary, attributing the crime to transient criminals known to target the area. This line of investigation, however, overlooked critical evidence and alternative theories, notably ignoring the possibility of a targeted attack against Sherri. Crucial forensic evidence collected at the scene, including blood samples and fingerprints, was not fully analyzed, and leads suggesting a more personal motive were not pursued with the necessary vigor.

Investigation and Misdirection

The investigation into Sherri Rasmussen’s murder in the immediate aftermath was marked by a series of missteps and a critical tunnel vision that significantly delayed justice. Initially, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) anchored their investigation on the theory that Sherri’s death was the result of a botched burglary. This conclusion was hastily drawn from the disarray found at the crime scene and the fact that Sherri’s car was stolen, despite conflicting evidence that suggested a more personal motive.

In the days following the murder, the LAPD’s focus on a random act of violence led them to overlook significant leads. Friends and family of Sherri were adamant that the theory did not align with the circumstances, pointing out that valuable items were left untouched and highlighting Sherri’s reports of unsettling encounters with a female LAPD officer, who was later revealed to be Stephanie Lazarus, a colleague and former lover of Sherri’s husband, John Ruetten. These crucial pieces of information, however, were not given the attention they deserved, as the investigation was clouded by the prevailing biases of the time towards certain types of crime and criminals.

Moreover, the technological limitations of the era meant that forensic evidence collected at the scene, such as blood samples, saliva from a bite mark on Sherri’s arm, and fingerprints, were not as thoroughly analyzed as they could be today. The potential of DNA technology was not fully realized, and as a result, evidence that could have pointed investigators in the right direction was shelved, waiting for advancements in forensic science to unlock its truths.

This early focus on a robbery-gone-wrong narrative had long-term consequences for the case, leading it to grow cold as leads dried up and the trail of the real perpetrator went cold. For years, Sherri’s family grieved without closure, and the person responsible for her death continued their life without facing the consequences of their actions.

Breakthrough and Arrest

The breakthrough in Sherri Rasmussen’s case came more than two decades after her murder, illustrating the profound impact of technological advancements in forensic science on solving cold cases. In 2009, the Los Angeles Police Department’s cold case unit decided to re-examine the evidence from Sherri’s murder, with a particular focus on DNA technology that was not available at the time of the initial investigation. This decision was partly influenced by persistent advocacy from Sherri’s family, who never ceased in their quest for justice.

A critical piece of evidence was a swab taken from a bite mark inflicted on Sherri during the attack. At the time of her murder, the technology to accurately analyze and match DNA samples was in its infancy. However, by 2009, DNA analysis had become a cornerstone of forensic science, offering unprecedented accuracy in identifying individuals. The re-analysis of the DNA evidence from the bite mark revealed a significant lead: the DNA belonged to a female, conclusively ruling out the initial theory that the crime was perpetrated by a male intruder.

This revelation prompted investigators to look into individuals who might have had a motive to harm Sherri. Their attention quickly turned to Stephanie Lazarus, a former LAPD detective and the ex-girlfriend of Sherri’s husband, John Ruetten. Lazarus had been a peripheral figure in the initial investigation, mentioned briefly but never thoroughly investigated despite the known animosity between her and Sherri.

In a covert operation, detectives obtained a DNA sample from Lazarus by retrieving a discarded item with her saliva. The DNA from this sample matched the DNA from the bite mark on Sherri’s arm, providing the evidence needed to make an arrest. In June 2009, Stephanie Lazarus was arrested and charged with the first-degree murder of Sherri Rasmussen.

The arrest of Lazarus sent shockwaves through the LAPD and the wider community, highlighting the persistence of justice and the critical role of DNA evidence in solving crimes. It also raised questions about the initial investigation’s oversight and the implications of having a suspect within the law enforcement community. This breakthrough underscored the importance of revisiting cold cases with new technology and perspectives, ensuring that justice can be served, irrespective of the time that has passed.

Trial and Conviction

The trial of Stephanie Lazarus for the murder of Sherri Rasmussen was a landmark case that captivated public attention and underscored the evolution of forensic science in the justice system. After her arrest in 2009, Lazarus was held without bail, and her trial began in early 2012, highlighting a saga of jealousy, betrayal, and the relentless pursuit of justice.

At the heart of the prosecution’s case was the groundbreaking DNA evidence obtained from the bite mark on Sherri’s arm. This evidence was pivotal, as it directly linked Lazarus to the crime, challenging her initial claims of innocence and her lack of involvement in Sherri’s murder. The prosecution presented a narrative that Lazarus, driven by jealousy over Sherri’s marriage to John Ruetten, whom Lazarus had previously dated, committed the murder in a fit of rage.

The defense argued that the DNA evidence was contaminated and questioned the integrity of the chain of custody of the evidence collected in the 1980s. However, the strength of the forensic evidence, combined with the compelling narrative of a love triangle turned deadly, swayed the jury.

Further bolstering the prosecution’s case were witnesses who testified about Lazarus’s behavior and statements before and after Sherri’s murder, which painted a picture of her obsessive and volatile nature regarding Ruetten’s relationship with Sherri. Additionally, evidence of Lazarus’s access to the type of weapon used in the murder and her training and experience as a police officer were presented to suggest she had the means and expertise to commit the crime.

On March 8, 2012, after a trial that lasted several weeks, Stephanie Lazarus was found guilty of first-degree murder. She was later sentenced to 27 years to life in prison, a verdict that brought long-awaited relief and a sense of closure to Sherri Rasmussen’s family.