Digest

This episode of 48 Hours delves into the chilling murder of Sherry Rasmussen, a young nurse, in Los Angeles in 1986. The initial investigation focused on a burglary gone wrong, but the Rasmussen family suspected John Rotten's ex-girlfriend, an LAPD detective named Stephanie Lazarus, from the start. Sherry had confided in her family and friends about Lazarus's obsessive behavior, including confrontations and stalking. Despite these concerns, the police dismissed the family's suspicions and pursued the burglary theory. Years later, a DNA sample from a bite mark on Sherry's arm led investigators to Lazarus, who was arrested and charged with murder. The trial revealed a complex web of relationships, jealousy, and a possible cover-up. Ultimately, Lazarus was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to 27 years to life in prison. The episode highlights the importance of thorough investigations, the devastating impact of unsolved crimes on families, and the complexities of justice in the face of a shocking revelation.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction

This Chapter introduces the case of Sherry Rasmussen's murder in Los Angeles in 1986. It highlights the initial investigation's focus on a burglary gone wrong and the Rasmussen family's suspicion of John Rotten's ex-girlfriend, Stephanie Lazarus, an LAPD detective. The chapter also introduces the reporters, Joel Rubin and Andrew Blankstein, who are consultants to 48 Hours.

00:00:46

The Crime Scene

This Chapter describes the crime scene where Sherry Rasmussen was found murdered in her Los Angeles home. It details the brutal nature of the crime, including the victim's injuries and the evidence found at the scene. The chapter also introduces the victim, Sherry Rasmussen, and her background as a successful nurse and newlywed.

00:10:11

The Initial Investigation

This Chapter examines the initial investigation into Sherry Rasmussen's murder. It highlights the police's focus on a burglary theory and their dismissal of the Rasmussen family's suspicions about Stephanie Lazarus. The chapter also explores the evidence collected at the scene, including a saliva sample from a bite mark on Sherry's arm.

00:27:44

The Cold Case Reopened

This Chapter details the reopening of Sherry Rasmussen's cold case in 2008. It highlights the discovery of DNA evidence from the bite mark on Sherry's arm, which led investigators to Stephanie Lazarus. The chapter also describes the process of obtaining a DNA sample from Lazarus and the shocking results that confirmed her involvement in the crime.

00:30:36

The Arrest of Stephanie Lazarus

This Chapter focuses on the arrest of Stephanie Lazarus, an LAPD detective, for the murder of Sherry Rasmussen. It describes the covert operation undertaken by detectives to apprehend Lazarus without tipping her off. The chapter also details the interrogation of Lazarus, her initial denial of involvement, and her eventual arrest.

00:36:46

The Trial

This Chapter covers the trial of Stephanie Lazarus for the murder of Sherry Rasmussen. It outlines the prosecution's case, which presented Lazarus as a jealous ex-girlfriend driven to kill by Sherry's marriage to John Rotten. The chapter also details the defense's strategy, which focused on challenging the DNA evidence and the credibility of the prosecution's witnesses.

00:42:24

The Verdict and Sentencing

This Chapter concludes the episode with the verdict and sentencing of Stephanie Lazarus. It highlights the jury's decision to find Lazarus guilty of first-degree murder and the subsequent sentencing of 27 years to life in prison. The chapter also includes statements from the Rasmussen family and John Rotten, expressing their grief and seeking closure after years of seeking justice for Sherry.

Keywords

Q&A

• What was the initial theory behind Sherry Rasmussen's murder?

  The initial theory was that Sherry was killed during a burglary gone wrong. The police believed that she had interrupted two men trying to burglarize her home and they had killed her to silence her.

• Why did the Rasmussen family suspect Stephanie Lazarus from the beginning?

  The Rasmussen family suspected Lazarus because Sherry had confided in them about Lazarus's obsessive behavior, including confrontations and stalking. They believed that Lazarus was jealous of Sherry's relationship with John Rotten and may have been motivated to harm her.

• What evidence ultimately led to Stephanie Lazarus's arrest?

  DNA evidence from a bite mark on Sherry's arm linked Lazarus to the crime scene. The DNA test indicated a 1.76 trillion to one chance that it belonged to someone other than Lazarus.

• What was the defense's strategy in the trial?

  The defense focused on challenging the DNA evidence, arguing that it was mishandled and unreliable. They also attempted to cast doubt on the prosecution's motive, suggesting that Lazarus was not as obsessed with John Rotten as the prosecution claimed.

• What was the outcome of the trial?

  Stephanie Lazarus was found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to 27 years to life in prison. The jury reached their verdict after a trial that lasted more than four weeks and involved testimony from over 60 witnesses.

• What impact did this case have on the Rasmussen family?

  The case had a profound impact on the Rasmussen family, who endured years of grief and frustration as they sought justice for Sherry. The trial provided them with some closure, but they continue to grieve the loss of their daughter.

• What lessons can be learned from this case?

  This case highlights the importance of thorough investigations, the devastating impact of unsolved crimes on families, and the complexities of justice in the face of a shocking revelation. It also raises questions about the potential for misconduct within law enforcement and the need for accountability when officers are suspected of crimes.

Show Notes