Sherri Rasmussen: A Life Stolen and Justice Long Fought For
In the vibrant city of Los Angeles, Sherri Rasmussen was a beacon of light—a young woman whose life was defined by ambition, kindness, and love. Born on February 7, 1957, Sherri was the youngest of three daughters in a close-knit family. By the age of 29, she had already achieved remarkable success as the director of critical care nursing at Glendale Adventist Medical Center, where her dedication and leadership earned her the admiration of colleagues and patients alike.
Sherri’s personal life was just as fulfilling as her professional one. In 1985, she married John Ruetten, the man she believed she would spend the rest of her life with. Together, they dreamed of a bright future, filled with love, laughter, and shared adventures. But on February 24, 1986, everything changed. Sherri’s life was tragically cut short in a brutal murder that would remain unsolved for more than two decades.
A Crime That Shook a Family
On that fateful day, Sherri was found in the condominium she shared with her husband. The scene was horrific: evidence of a violent struggle, Sherri’s body bearing defensive wounds, and the chilling detail of a bite mark on her arm. The police initially theorized that her death was the result of a botched burglary, but Sherri’s family knew better. Her father, Nels Rasmussen, immediately voiced his suspicions about Stephanie Lazarus, a former girlfriend of John Ruetten and an LAPD officer.
Despite Nels’s repeated pleas, the investigation stalled, and key leads were ignored. The case went cold, leaving Sherri’s family in anguish. For years, they wrote letters, made phone calls, and met with detectives, refusing to let Sherri’s story fade into obscurity. “We couldn’t let her down,” Nels said. “She deserved justice.”
Justice Delayed, but Not Denied
It wasn’t until 2009 that Sherri’s case was reopened, thanks to advancements in DNA technology. Evidence from the bite mark on her arm, long preserved but untested, led investigators to Stephanie Lazarus. The revelation was shocking: a decorated LAPD detective had been hiding in plain sight for over 20 years.
Lazarus was arrested and later convicted of Sherri’s murder in 2012. For the Rasmussen family, the verdict was a bittersweet moment. “We’ve waited so long for this day,” Nels said. “But it doesn’t bring Sherri back.”
Remembering Sherri
Though her life was cut tragically short, Sherri’s legacy endures. Her family remembers her as a compassionate nurse, a loving daughter, and a vibrant woman who brought joy to everyone she met. Her story has become a beacon for justice, inspiring reforms in how cold cases are handled and highlighting the importance of perseverance in the face of systemic failure.
For those who knew her, Sherri Rasmussen will always be more than the victim of a terrible crime. She will be remembered as a woman who lived with purpose, touched countless lives, and left an indelible mark on the world.
Honoring Sherri’s Memory
The Rasmussen family’s tireless advocacy serves as a reminder of the power of love and determination. Through their efforts, Sherri’s story continues to inspire and educate. Her case underscores the importance of accountability, the advancements in forensic science, and the resilience of those who seek justice.
As we remember Sherri, let us honor her by striving to create a world where no voice is silenced, no injustice ignored, and no life forgotten. Sherri Rasmussen’s light continues to shine, reminding us all of the enduring power of hope and perseverance.
Have thoughts on Sherri’s story or other cases you’d like to see highlighted? Share them with us in the comments or connect with us on social media. Together, we can ensure that stories like Sherri’s are never forgotten.
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Resources
Books
1. “The Lazarus Files: A Cold Case Investigation” by Matthew McGough
- A deep dive into Sherri Rasmussen’s case, covering the investigation, trial, and systemic issues within the LAPD.
Podcasts
1. “The Casefile Podcast” - Episode 104: Sherri Rasmussen
- A thorough retelling of the case with detailed research and analysis.
2. “True Crime Garage” - Sherri Rasmussen Episode
- An engaging discussion on the case, including the crime, investigation, and trial.
3. “Crime Junkie” - Sherri Rasmussen Episode
- A condensed but impactful narrative of the case.
4. “Morbid: A True Crime Podcast” - Sherri Rasmussen
- Offers a mix of facts and commentary with a conversational tone.
Documentaries and TV Specials
1. “Dateline NBC” - “The Mystery of Sherri Rasmussen”
- Explores the investigation and trial with interviews and evidence analysis.
2. “48 Hours” - “Justice for Sherri”
- A detailed look into the case and the fight for justice.
3. “Cold Case Files” (A&E) - Episode featuring Sherri Rasmussen.
- Focuses on the forensic breakthroughs and eventual conviction.
4. “Forensic Files II” - Episode on Sherri Rasmussen
- Highlights the DNA evidence that broke the case open.
Articles
1. Los Angeles Times Coverage
- Extensive reporting on the case from Lazarus’s arrest through the trial.
- Search for archived articles on their website.
2. ABC News - “Cop Turned Killer: The Case of Stephanie Lazarus”
- Offers a summary of the case with focus on the trial.
3. Vanity Fair - “A Detective’s Dark Secret”
- A long-form piece exploring the implications of Lazarus’s conviction.
Court Records and Case Files
- LAPD Case Archives (Public Records Request)
- Obtain official case files for in-depth research (fees may apply).
- Court Transcripts of Stephanie Lazarus’s Trial
- Available through the Los Angeles County Superior Court.
Videos and Interviews
1. YouTube Channels
- Channels like Real Stories and Crime Vault often upload segments on high-profile cases like Sherri Rasmussen's.
2. Interviews with Nels Rasmussen
- Featured in Dateline, 48 Hours, and other platforms; his perspective provides invaluable insight.
Online Communities and Forums
1. Reddit: Subreddits like r/UnresolvedMysteries and r/TrueCrime often discuss Sherri’s case with community-sourced insights and updates.
2. Websleuths: Dedicated threads provide detailed case breakdowns and discussions.
Law Enforcement and Advocacy Resources
1. National Center for Victims of Crime
- Advocacy information and resources inspired by cases like Sherri’s.
2. Cold Case Justice Initiative
- Supports families seeking answers in cold cases.
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