Parole Opportunity Rescinded for LA Police Detective Convicted of 1986 Cold Case Murder
A chance for parole was rescinded Wednesday for former Los Angeles police detective Stephanie Lazarus, who has been serving a sentence of 27 years to life for the cold-case killing of her ex-boyfriend’s wife in 1986.
The Crime
Lazarus was convicted in 2012 of killing 29-year-old nurse Sherri Rasmussen, who was bludgeoned and shot to death in the Van Nuys condo she shared with her husband of three months, John Ruetten. Despite being a suspect in the case, Lazarus managed to evade arrest for 23 years.
The Investigation and Trial
The case went cold until May 2009, when undercover officers obtained a sample of Lazarus’s saliva to compare with DNA left at the original crime scene. Prosecutors suggested Lazarus knew to avoid leaving other evidence, such as fingerprints.
At trial, prosecutors focused on Lazarus’s romantic relationship with Ruetten after they graduated from college, and her jealousy when Ruetten decided to marry Rasmussen. The case hinged on DNA from a bite mark prosecutors say Lazarus left on Rasmussen’s arm.
The Rasmussen Family’s Pain
Rasmussen’s sisters and widower gave emotional testimony during a hearing, describing their pain and hurt caused by Lazarus’s actions. They also pointed out that Lazarus’s lack of remorse for her crime was unacceptable.
Board’s Decision
A select committee of the parole board previously determined that Lazarus was eligible for parole. The full board took up her case in May, but the final decision was delayed until this week. The Board of Parole Hearings heard arguments from lawyers on both sides during a hearing that lasted about 90 minutes, before returning a decision to rescind her parole.
Attorney John Taylor, who represents the Rasmussen family, was relieved by the decision.
The decision to rescind Lazarus’s parole may bring some sense of justice to the Rasmussen family, who have lived with the pain and anguish of their sister’s cold-blooded murder for so long. While it cannot undo the harm caused by Lazarus’s actions, it is a reminder that justice can be served years after a crime is committed.
FAQs
Why was Stephanie Lazarus able to evade arrest for 23 years after the murder?
Lazarus was able to avoid detection because detectives at the time believed two robbers who had attacked another woman in the area were to blame for Rasmussen’s death. The DNA evidence that ultimately convicted her was not discovered until more than 20 years after the crime.
Has Stephanie Lazarus shown remorse for her crime?
The Rasmussen family believes that Lazarus has never shown remorse for her crime, and that she still lacks empathy for the suffering she caused. Despite opportunities to express remorse during the trial and subsequent hearings, Lazarus has consistently remained unrepentant.
What does the paroled rescission mean for Stephanie Lazarus’s life sentence?
The decision means that Lazarus will serve out her life sentence with no possibility of parole or early release. While some may argue that the timing of the decision is convenient, given Lazarus’s advanced age, the court’s decision reflects a renewed commitment to upholding justice and holding accountable those who commit heinous crimes like Lazarus did.
