“The Killer Down the Hall”: 20/20 Reports on Sherri Rasmussen Homicide October 4 2024

ABC’s 20/20 episode titled “The Killer Down the Hall” dives into one of Los Angeles’ most notorious cold cases, the 1986 murder of Sherri Rasmussen. On February 24, 1986, 29-year-old Sherri Rasmussen, a prominent nursing director, was found brutally beaten and shot in her Van Nuys apartment. The case remained unsolved for over two decades, with initial investigations concluding that it was the result of a botched burglary. The real story, however, was far more complex.

In 2009, with advancements in DNA technology, the case took a dramatic turn, leading detectives back to a suspect shockingly close to the investigation—Stephanie Lazarus, a detective with the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). The episode, airing on October 4, 2024, revisits this gripping case, detailing the investigation’s twists and the fight for justice as the possibility of Lazarus’s parole looms large.

Sherri Rasmussen’s Life and the Crime Scene

Sherri Rasmussen was a highly respected nurse, known for her dedication to her career and her role as a director of nursing at Glendale Adventist Medical Center. Her marriage to John Ruetten in November 1985 marked a new chapter in her life, but her happiness was tragically cut short just three months later. On the morning of February 24, 1986, Ruetten left for work, and Sherri remained at home. Hours later, she was discovered dead in their apartment, having been brutally beaten and shot multiple times.

Investigators found signs of a struggle, including a broken vase and a bloody handprint near the panic button on the home’s burglar alarm system. Sherri had defensive wounds, and crucially, a bite mark was found on her body, which would later play a pivotal role in solving the case. Despite these clues, police initially believed the crime to be a burglary gone wrong, as some electronic items were stacked near the door, and Sherri’s BMW was missing.

Stephanie Lazarus: The Forgotten Suspect

Stephanie Lazarus, a fellow LAPD officer, had once been romantically involved with John Ruetten. Her relationship with Ruetten had ended, but her feelings for him lingered. As Sherri and John’s relationship grew more serious, Lazarus became more erratic, visiting the couple’s apartment on several occasions under the guise of friendship. Sherri had confided in her father, Nels Rasmussen, that she believed Lazarus was stalking her. Rasmussen’s parents repeatedly suggested that police look into Lazarus, but their concerns were dismissed.

Lazarus, known for her exemplary career within the LAPD, managed to evade suspicion during the original investigation. The case went cold, and for 23 years, Sherri’s family remained without answers. It wasn’t until 2009 that a cold case squad, using DNA from the bite mark found on Sherri’s arm, tied Lazarus directly to the murder.

The 2009 Breakthrough and Trial

In 2009, the Los Angeles cold case unit re-opened Sherri’s case. Technological advancements allowed detectives to analyze the DNA from the bite mark found on Sherri’s body. The results pointed directly to Stephanie Lazarus. At the time, Lazarus was a high-ranking detective in the LAPD’s Art Theft Division. Investigators meticulously gathered evidence, eventually obtaining DNA from a discarded cup to confirm the match.

Lazarus was arrested in 2009 and charged with first-degree murder. During her 2012 trial, prosecutors presented a case built on jealousy and rage, arguing that Lazarus had killed Sherri out of lingering feelings for Ruetten. The bite mark, a key piece of evidence, along with Lazarus’s erratic behavior leading up to the murder, convinced the jury. Lazarus was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to 27 years to life in prison. Her defense team filed multiple appeals, claiming that the delay in bringing charges had denied her due process, but these were unsuccessful.

The Parole Controversy and Ongoing Battle

In 2023, Lazarus became eligible for parole under California’s “youthful offender” law, which allows inmates who committed their crimes before the age of 26 to be considered for early release. During a parole hearing, Lazarus finally admitted to the crime. However, her confession and claims of remorse did little to assuage the anger of Sherri’s family, who had been fighting for justice for nearly four decades.

The parole board initially granted Lazarus parole, citing her age at the time of the murder and her good behavior in prison. However, this decision was met with strong opposition from Sherri’s family and members of law enforcement. Governor Gavin Newsom requested a full review of the case, arguing that the crime’s premeditated nature and Lazarus’s actions as an officer of the law required more scrutiny. On October 2, 2024, the parole board rescinded Lazarus’s parole, keeping her behind bars, a decision celebrated by Sherri’s family.

The Lasting Impact of the Rasmussen Case

Sherri Rasmussen’s murder and the subsequent investigation exposed significant flaws within the LAPD. Many have questioned whether Lazarus’s status as an officer contributed to the delays and mishandling of the case. Her ability to evade suspicion for so long has raised concerns about the integrity of the initial investigation.

For Sherri’s family, the fight for justice continues. Though Lazarus remains behind bars, they remain vigilant in ensuring that she serves her full sentence. This case also serves as a reminder of the importance of cold case investigations and how advances in technology, like DNA analysis, can ultimately bring justice, even decades later.

As 20/20 brings this case to the forefront once again, viewers are reminded of the pain inflicted by senseless violence, the resilience of those seeking justice, and the ongoing quest to hold individuals accountable for their crimes, no matter their status.