Current:Home > ScamsParole rescinded for former LA police detective convicted of killing her ex-boyfriend’s wife in 1986-DB Wealth Institute B2 Reviews & Ratings
Parole rescinded for former LA police detective convicted of killing her ex-boyfriend’s wife in 1986
lotradecoin scam View Date:2024-12-25 16:28:34
LOS ANGELES (AP) — A chance for parole was rescinded Wednesday for a former Los Angeles police detective serving a sentence of 27 years to life in the cold-case killing of her ex-boyfriend’s wife in 1986.
Stephanie Lazarus was convicted in 2012 of killing Sherri Rasmussen, a 29-year-old nurse who was bludgeoned and shot to death in the condo she shared with her husband of three months, John Ruetten. She wasn’t arrested until 2009.
The state Board of Parole Hearings heard arguments from lawyers on both sides during a hearing Wednesday that lasted about 90 minutes. The three commissioners then met privately and returned with a decision to rescind a previous grant of parole, according to attorney John Taylor, who represents the Rasmussen family.
Taylor said the family was relieved by the decision.
“Lazarus had her parole time up front, evading arrest for 23 years after the murder. She has expressed no remorse for the cold-blooded execution of Sherri Rasmussen committed while she was an LAPD officer. It’s unfair to the family that she should now go free and enjoy her life while receiving her LAPD pension,” Taylor said in a statement following the board’s decision.
A select committee of the parole board determined last November that Lazarus was eligible for parole. The full board took up her case in May but the final decision was delayed until this week. An attorney for Lazarus couldn’t be located Wednesday.
Rasmussen’s sisters and widower gave emotional testimony during May’s hearing about their pain and described Lazarus as a conniving criminal who used her police training to cover up the killing.
At her trial 12 years ago, prosecutors focused on the romantic relationship between Lazarus and Ruetten after they graduated from college. They claimed Lazarus was consumed with jealousy when Ruetten decided to marry Rasmussen.
The case hinged on DNA from a bite mark prosecutors say Lazarus left on Rasmussen’s arm.
Lazarus was not a suspect in 1986 because detectives then believed two robbers who had attacked another woman in the area were to blame for Rasmussen’s death.
No suspects were found and the case went cold until May 2009, when undercover officers followed Lazarus and obtained a sample of her saliva to compare with DNA left at the original crime scene, police said.
Prosecutors suggested Lazarus knew to avoid leaving other evidence, such as fingerprints.
Lazarus rose in the ranks of the Los Angeles Police Department, becoming a detective in charge of art forgeries and thefts.
veryGood! (49698)
Related
- Pro-Palestinian protesters who blocked road near Sea-Tac Airport to have charges dropped
- Ozempic for kids? Pharma manufactures test weight loss drugs for children as young as 6
- Travis Kelce is aware his stats improve whenever Taylor Swift attends Chiefs' games
- As student loan repayment returns, some borrowers have sticker shock
- Justice Department defends Boeing plea deal against criticism by 737 Max crash victims’ families
- Abracadabra! The tale of 'The World’s Greatest Magician' who vanished from history
- Security guard attacked by bear inside hotel: Officials
- China announces plan for a new space telescope as it readies to launch its next space station crew
- Alabama lawyer accused of sexually assaulting handcuffed inmate, lawsuit says
- Gay marriage is legal in Texas. A justice who won't marry same-sex couples heads to court anyway
Ranking
- Judge tells Google to brace for shakeup of Android app store as punishment for running a monopoly
- Man freed after being trapped in New York City jewelry store vault overnight for 10 hours
- Australia state visit to feature talk of submarines and tech partnerships — and a lavish dinner
- Winners and losers of NBA opening night: Nuggets get rings, beat Lakers; Suns top Warriors
- Proposal to allow local police to make arrests near Arizona border with Mexico will appear on ballot
- New York can resume family DNA searches for crime suspects, court rules
- Marvin Jones Jr. stepping away from Lions to 'take care of personal family matters'
- 5 Things podcast: Blinken urges 'humanitarian pauses' but US won't back ceasefire in Gaza
Recommendation
-
How you can get a free scoop of ice cream at Baskin Robbins Wednesday
-
In the time travel series 'Bodies,' one crime happens four times
-
Savannah Chrisley Pens Message to Late Ex Nic Kerdiles One Month After His Death
-
'Dream come true:' Diamondbacks defy the odds on chaotic journey to World Series
-
Ex-YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki dies a year after stepping down. Who is the current CEO?
-
Indictments accuse 4 Minnesota men in a $21 million catalytic converter theft ring
-
Indiana sheriff’s deputies fatally shoot man, 19, who shot at them, state police say
-
Nashville police chief’s son, wanted in the shooting of 2 officers, found dead after car chase