Digest

This podcast chronicles the 1986 murder of Sherry Rasmussen, a case initially mishandled by the LAPD and misclassified as a burglary gone wrong. Despite early suspicions from Rasmussen's family pointing towards John Ruetten's ex-girlfriend, Stephanie Lazarus, an LAPD officer, investigators focused on the burglary theory for years. Key evidence, including a bite mark and ballistics, was initially underutilized due to technological limitations and investigative biases. After 23 years, a renewed investigation led by Detective Jim Nuttall, utilizing advancements in DNA analysis, finally identified Lazarus as the prime suspect. Her DNA matched the bite mark, and further investigation uncovered her firearm, matching the murder weapon, had been reported stolen. Lazarus was arrested, tried, and convicted of first-degree murder, receiving a 27-year-to-life sentence. The podcast also touches upon the family's subsequent lawsuits against the LAPD for alleged cover-up, which were dismissed. The case highlights the importance of thorough investigation, evolving forensic technology, and the pursuit of justice for victims.

Outlines

00:00:00

The Unresolved Murder of Sherry Rasmussen and Podcast Introduction

This episode begins by introducing the podcast's focus on true crime, conspiracy theories, and cults, before delving into the 1986 murder of Sherry Rasmussen in Los Angeles. The case was initially misclassified as a burglary gone wrong, leading to a prolonged cold case due to an incomplete investigation.

00:02:54

Early Investigation and Suspicions in the Rasmussen Case

Forty years after the murder, this section revisits the case, focusing on Sherry Rasmussen's relationship with John Ruetten and the initial, flawed investigation. Details of the crime scene, the discovery of Rasmussen's body, and the LAPD's immediate theory of a burglary are presented. John Ruetten's initial interrogation and alibi are discussed, noting his omission of details about his ex-girlfriend, Stephanie Lazarus. Neighbors provided conflicting timelines, and Sherry's family began suspecting Lazarus, but their concerns were dismissed by detectives.

00:12:10

Forensic Challenges and Key Evidence

The limitations of forensic technology in 1986 are highlighted as the initial forensic evidence, including fingerprints and a bite mark, is examined. The autopsy revealed three gunshot wounds and a significant bite mark on Sherry, crucial pieces of evidence. Analysis of the bullets recovered from Sherry's body showed they were common, reinforcing the police's focus on a burglary motive. The discovery of Sherry's stolen BMW further supported this theory, while Stephanie Lazarus coincidentally reported her firearm stolen.

00:26:29

The Cold Case Reopened and Stephanie Lazarus Identified

After 23 years, Detective Jim Nuttall re-examines Sherry Rasmussen's cold case, uncovering overlooked forensic evidence and renewing the focus on Stephanie Lazarus. DNA analysis of the bite mark pointed towards Lazarus, reigniting the investigation. Detectives meticulously eliminated other suspects before confirming Lazarus as the prime suspect through DNA evidence and the report of her stolen firearm, which matched the caliber used in the murder.

00:36:54

Arrest, Conviction, and Legal Aftermath

Stephanie Lazarus is arrested and subsequently found guilty of first-degree murder, receiving a sentence of 27 years to life. Following the conviction, Sherry's family filed lawsuits against the city and LAPD, alleging a cover-up, but these claims were dismissed. Ultimately, Stephanie Lazarus confessed to the murder. The podcast concludes by remembering Sherry Rasmussen on the 40th anniversary of her murder, emphasizing the importance of transparency and trust in criminal investigations.

Keywords

Q&A

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

  The initial theory by the LAPD was that Sherry Rasmussen was the victim of a burglary gone wrong. This theory was based on the ransacked appearance of her condo and the theft of her car.

• Why did the Sherry Rasmussen case go cold for so many years?

  The case went cold because the LAPD initially focused on the burglary theory and overlooked other potential suspects, particularly John Ruetten's ex-girlfriend, Stephanie Lazarus. The available forensic technology at the time also limited the investigation.

• What role did Stephanie Lazarus play in the investigation?

  Stephanie Lazarus, an LAPD officer and John Ruetten's ex-girlfriend, was identified as a suspect by Sherry's family early on. However, detectives initially dismissed her as a suspect, only to later find DNA evidence linking her to the crime.

• How was Stephanie Lazarus eventually caught?

  After the case was reopened, new DNA analysis linked Lazarus's saliva from a bite mark on Sherry's arm to her. Further investigation revealed she had reported her firearm, matching the caliber used in the murder, stolen shortly after the crime.

• What was the outcome of the legal battles following Stephanie Lazarus's conviction?

  Despite Lazarus's conviction, Sherry's family filed lawsuits against the city and the LAPD, alleging a cover-up. These suits were dismissed due to governmental immunity, and the LAPD maintained no misconduct occurred.

Show Notes