Parole Again Rejected for Former LAPD Detective Who Killed Ex-Lover’s New Wife in Van Nuys
A State Parole Board Panel Denied Parole for Stephanie Lazarus
A state parole board panel denied parole on Wednesday for a former Los Angeles Police Department detective who admitted to shooting and killing her ex-lover’s new wife in the victim’s Van Nuys condominium nearly 39 years ago.
Background
Stephanie Lazarus, now 64, is serving a 27-year-to-life term in state prison stemming from her March 2012 conviction for the killing of Sherri Rasmussen, who was shot three times in the Balboa Boulevard condominium she shared with her husband.
Parole Hearing
Commissioner Kevin Chappell, who presided over the hearing, said the panel found Lazarus “unsuitable for parole at this time.” He noted that her testimony about the February 24, 1986, attack on Rasmussen “does not match up with the evidence used to convict her.”
Chappell’s Remarks
Chappell stated that more of Lazarus’ DNA – besides DNA from a bite mark on the victim – would have been found at the scene if the attack occurred as a “fight” about which she had testified. He also noted that Lazarus described the physical assault as a “fight” and had to be corrected because it was clear that “you were the only one engaging in this extreme act of violence.”
Deputy Commissioner Vijai Desai’s Remarks
Deputy Commissioner Vijai Desai added that the “level of minimization” that Lazarus had demonstrated seems to indicate that it is “pretty entrenched.” He said the victim’s family deserves the truth.
Lazarus’ Statement
Lazarus, who acknowledged during the hearing that she had murdered Rasmussen, saying that the victim’s right to “live a long and fruitful life was taken from her.” She expressed remorse, saying, “I caused unbearable heartache. There is no amount of apologies to express my remorse.”
Conclusion
The parole board’s decision is a blow to Lazarus’ hopes of being released from prison, where she has been serving her sentence for nearly a decade. The victim’s family, who have been advocating for justice for their loved one, were relieved by the decision.
FAQs
* What was the crime committed by Stephanie Lazarus?
+ She shot and killed her ex-lover’s new wife, Sherri Rasmussen, in 1986.
* How long has Lazarus been serving her sentence?
+ 27 years and counting.
* What was the outcome of her parole hearing?
+ The parole board denied her parole, citing concerns about her testimony and her lack of remorse.
* What is Lazarus’ current status?
+ She will be eligible for parole in three years, but can file a petition for an earlier hearing if circumstances change.
