Cop Charged In Los Angeles Murder
Cop Charged In Los Angeles Murder
Stephanie Lazarus, 49, was arrested and charged with murder in connection with the death of Sherri Rae Rasmussen in February 1986. Rasmussen's husband came home from work one evening and discovered his wife's body. Rasmussen died from multiple gunshot wounds, but no arrests were ever made.
The case was turned over to the LAPD's cold case squad. According to the original case file, Lazarus had a long-term relationship with John Ruetten, the victim's husband prior to his marriage to Rasmussen. Detectives originally thought that Rasmussen had fallen victim to a pair of robbers who had confronted two men shortly after Rasmussen's death.
DNA evidence left at the scene by the killer indicated that the killer was female. That shifted the cold case squad's attention back to Lazarus, who was assigned to the department's Art Theft unit at the time of her arrest. Prior to her promotion to the rank of detective, Lazarus had worked a patrol assignment in the San Fernando Valley area.
Detectives collected a DNA sample from Lazarus through "discards" but declined to say exactly what they had used. Discards are items that a suspect may have used, like a cigarette butt, straw or cup, and discarded along with a fresh DNA sample. After analysis, the fresh DNA sample from Lazarus was determined to match that left at the Rasmussen murder scene. A department spokesman said that he did not believe Lazarus was aware that she was a suspect in the murder, and did not know she would be arrested.
If you've been arrested for murder or other crimes, like sexual assault in which DNA evidence plays a role, you need the assistance of a competent criminal defense attorney like Robert Michael Helfend. Mr. Helfend has practiced criminal defense in Southern California exclusively for 25 years, and takes cases in Los Angeles County, Orange County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County and Ventura County.
A conviction for murder can lead to a sentence of life behind bars with or without the possibility of parole, or the death penalty, depending upon the circumstances of the crime. Along with that, serious felony convictions can lead to three strikes enhancements that can also put you behind bars for the rest of your life. DNA evidence against you doesn't mean a guaranteed conviction, but it does mean that you need a highly skilled, experienced criminal defense attorney by your side. Contact Robert Michael Helfend today for a consultation on your case.
Photo Credit: Loupiote, via Flickr