Sep 20, 2026 · 2h 13m
DNA Reopens a Murder Case the LAPD Left Cold
"Fatal Attraction" - The Murder of Sherri Rasmussen: The FULL MK Confidential Series
The case shows how a flawed burglary theory, mishandled evidence, and institutional blind spots delayed justice for decades.
- 1Investigators initially treated Sherri Rasmussen’s killing as a burglary despite evidence that pointed toward a personal motive.
- 2A recovered bite-mark swab produced female DNA that redirected the case toward former LAPD detective Stephanie Lazarus.
- 3Lazarus’s conviction brought accountability, but her denials and parole efforts left Rasmussen’s family still seeking answers.
Don't miss
The missing bite-mark swab produces female DNA, giving investigators the breakthrough that eventually identifies Stephanie Lazarus.
The brief
Sherri Rasmussen’s 1986 murder was quickly framed as a burglary, even as the crime scene, missing evidence, and abandoned BMW left important questions unanswered.
The case went cold while Rasmussen’s family pressed police to revisit the investigation, including the possibility that a former police officer connected to her husband was involved.
A missing bite-mark swab eventually yielded an unknown female DNA profile. Detective Jim Nuttall recognized that the evidence could overturn the original theory and reopen the case.
The investigation focused on Stephanie Lazarus, whose relationship with John Rutten, disputed memories, stolen revolver, and DNA match led to her arrest and conviction.
The family gained a measure of accountability, but Lazarus’s continued denials and parole efforts kept the central question alive: why did the LAPD miss her for so long?
What was said on this episode
4 statements · 1 positive · 3 negative
The truth about Sherry Rasmussen’s murder remained hidden for 23 years.
“The truth will remain hidden for 23 years.”
Listen at 4:07
The DNA evidence overwhelmingly identified Stephanie Lazarus as the source.
“The odds that the 15 DNA markers belong to anyone other than Stephanie Lazarus are about 1 in 1.7 sextillion.”
Listen at 1:43:50
Stephanie Lazarus received a sentence of 27 years to life.
“She gets 27 years to life.”
Listen at 1:45:00
Stephanie Lazarus was denied parole at the 2025 hearing.
“Parole is denied.”
Listen at 2:06:15
Statements are attributed to the speaker as said on the episode and reflect their view at the time, not PodLume's. They are not advice.
Books & mentions
Some links are affiliate links — PodLume may earn a commission if you buy.
