Parole Rescinded for Ex-LAPD Detective Convicted in Cold-Case Murder After 23 Years

On Wednesday, the chance for parole was denied for former Los Angeles police detective Stephanie Lazarus, who is serving a 27 years to life sentence for the murder of her ex-boyfriend’s wife, Sherri Rasmussen, in 1986. Lazarus, convicted in 2012, was found guilty of the brutal killing of 29-year-old Rasmussen, a nurse who was bludgeoned and shot to death in her condo.

The Hearing

The state Board of Parole Hearings conducted a hearing lasting about 90 minutes, during which arguments were presented by both the defense and the prosecution. Following the deliberation, the three commissioners decided to rescind a previous grant of parole, much to the relief of the Rasmussen family, as stated by their attorney, John Taylor.

Taylor expressed the family's gratitude towards the board's decision, emphasizing the importance of justice for Sherri Rasmussen. He highlighted Lazarus' long evasion of responsibility and lack of remorse for the heinous crime committed while she was an LAPD officer.

The Past and Investigation

Originally determined eligible for parole by a select committee of the parole board in November, Lazarus' case was subsequently taken up by the full board in May, with the final decision delayed until now. The emotional testimony from Rasmussen’s sisters and widower during the previous hearing shed light on the profound impact of the murder on their lives.

Lazarus's Rise in the LAPD

Lazarus initially eluded suspicion in 1986, as investigators attributed Rasmussen’s death to two robbers who had attacked another woman in the area. The case remained cold until undercover officers connected Lazarus to the crime in May 2009, leading to her arrest.

The Trials

Lazarus' trial revealed her past relationship with Rasmussen’s husband, John Ruetten, which prosecutors argued fueled her jealousy and motivated the murder. The critical piece of evidence was DNA linked to laser, specifically from a bite mark on Rasmussen’s arm. Lazarus, leveraging her position as a detective, successfully covered up her involvement for years.