Stephanie Lazarus was once a decorated detective with the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). However, her life took a dark turn when she was convicted of the 1986 murder of Sherri Rasmussen, her ex-boyfriend’s wife. This shocking crime and the subsequent trial captivated the nation, raising questions about Lazarus’s motive, her past, and her current life behind bars.
Early Life and Career
Born in 1957, Stephanie Lazarus grew up in a middle-class family in Los Angeles. She excelled in academics and athletics, and after graduating from college, she joined the LAPD in 1983. Lazarus quickly rose through the ranks, earning a reputation as a tough and competent officer. She worked in various divisions, including patrol, narcotics, and internal affairs.
The Murder of Sherri Rasmussen
On February 24, 1986, Sherri Rasmussen was found dead in her Van Nuys condominium. The crime scene was brutal, with evidence of a struggle and multiple injuries. Initially, the police suspected a robbery gone wrong, but the investigation soon stalled.
Lazarus’s Connection to the Case
Unbeknownst to investigators at the time, Stephanie Lazarus had a personal connection to the victim. Sherri Rasmussen was married to John Ruetten, whom Lazarus had previously dated. Lazarus had reportedly been fixated on Ruetten and was deeply affected by his marriage to Rasmussen.
The Cold Case Reopened
Years passed, and the case remained cold. However, in 2009, advancements in DNA technology allowed investigators to re-examine evidence from the crime scene. A DNA sample from a bite mark on Rasmussen’s body matched Stephanie Lazarus.
Arrest and Trial
In June 2009, Stephanie Lazarus was arrested for the murder of Sherri Rasmussen. The news shocked the LAPD and the public, as Lazarus had maintained a seemingly exemplary career with no prior criminal record. The trial that followed was highly publicized, with intense media scrutiny and public interest.
Conviction and Sentencing
In 2012, Stephanie Lazarus was found guilty of first-degree murder. She was sentenced to 27 years to life in prison. The verdict brought a sense of justice for Sherri Rasmussen’s family, but it also left many questions unanswered about Lazarus’s motives and her ability to conceal her involvement in the crime for so long.
Life in Prison
Stephanie Lazarus is currently serving her sentence at the California Institution for Women. She has maintained her innocence and has filed appeals, but her conviction has been upheld.
Lazarus’s Marital Status
Now, let’s address the main question: Is Stephanie Lazarus still married?
Yes, Stephanie Lazarus is still married to Scott Young, a former LAPD detective whom she married in 1989, just three years after the murder of Sherri Rasmussen. Despite the conviction and the shocking nature of her crime, Young has stood by Lazarus throughout the trial and appeals process.
The Impact of the Case
The Stephanie Lazarus case had a profound impact on the LAPD and public perception of law enforcement. It raised concerns about the integrity of police investigations and the potential for officers to abuse their power. The case also highlighted the importance of DNA technology in solving cold cases and bringing justice to victims and their families.
| Events in the Stephanie Lazarus Case | Date |
|---|---|
| Murder of Sherri Rasmussen | February 24, 1986 |
| Stephanie Lazarus’s Arrest | June 5, 2009 |
| Conviction | March 8, 2012 |
| Sentencing | May 4, 2012 |
This table provides a concise timeline of the key events in the Stephanie Lazarus case, from the initial crime to her conviction and sentencing.
Conclusion
The Stephanie Lazarus case is a tragic tale of obsession, deceit, and violence. A once-respected police officer, Lazarus’s life took a dark turn when she committed a heinous crime fueled by jealousy and a desire for revenge. The case serves as a reminder that no one is above the law and that even those entrusted with upholding justice can succumb to their darkest impulses.
While Stephanie Lazarus may spend the rest of her life behind bars, the memory of Sherri Rasmussen lives on. Her family and friends continue to seek justice and healing, while the public remains captivated by the complexities of this tragic case. The story of Stephanie Lazarus is a cautionary tale of how love can turn to obsession, and how the pursuit of revenge can lead to devastating consequences.
FAQs about Stephanie Lazarus
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Stephanie Lazarus:
Where is Stephanie Lazarus now?
Stephanie Lazarus is currently incarcerated at the California Institution for Women, serving a 27-years-to-life sentence for the murder of Sherri Rasmussen.
Why did Stephanie Lazarus kill Sherri Rasmussen?
The exact motive behind the murder remains unclear. However, evidence presented during the trial suggested that Lazarus was driven by jealousy and obsession with John Ruetten, Rasmussen’s husband and Lazarus’s former boyfriend. Lazarus had reportedly been deeply affected by Ruetten’s marriage to Rasmussen.
How was Stephanie Lazarus caught?
Advancements in DNA technology played a crucial role in solving the case. In 2009, investigators re-examined evidence from the crime scene, and a DNA sample from a bite mark on Rasmussen’s body matched Stephanie Lazarus.
What was Stephanie Lazarus’s sentence?
Stephanie Lazarus was sentenced to 27 years to life in prison for first-degree murder.
Did Stephanie Lazarus know Sherri Rasmussen?
Yes, Stephanie Lazarus knew Sherri Rasmussen. Rasmussen was married to John Ruetten, whom Lazarus had previously dated.