The Most Bizarre Case You’ll Ever Hear | True Crime Documentary

Stephanie Lazarus: The Unresolved Murder Case

Overview of the Case

• Stephanie Lazarus, an LAPD officer, is identified as the primary suspect in the unresolved murder case of Sherry Rasmusen, wife of Jon Rutton. Despite 23 years passing, no arrests have been made.

Key Events Leading to the Investigation

• On February 24th, 1986, Jon Rutton discovers his wife Sherry dead on their living room floor. A polygraph test indicates he failed but lacks concrete evidence for detention.

• Sherry's father believes that her last conversation may hold crucial information and suspects Stephanie Lazarus based on a description provided by Sherry.

Discovery of the Crime Scene

• Upon returning home at 6:00 a.m., Jon finds signs of disturbance: an open garage door and missing car. He discovers Sherry's body bound and severely injured with multiple gunshot wounds. The scene suggests a violent struggle occurred before her death.

• Notably, deep scratch marks on the front door indicate desperation from Sherry trying to escape or gain entry before being attacked. Jon admits he forgot to activate their security alarm that morning.

Background on Victim and Suspect

• Sherry was an accomplished individual who pursued nursing over medicine for better work-life balance; she had earned her master's degree by age 23 and was teaching at UCLA when she died. Her intelligence and leadership were widely recognized among peers.

• The relationship between Jon and Sherry developed positively until tragedy struck; however, there were troubling signs leading up to her death including harassment from Jon’s former girlfriend and being followed by a mysterious figure wearing a mask.

Family Reactions Post-Incident

• Following news of Sherry's death, her father Nells receives a call not from Jon but from J's father which heightens his concern about the situation's gravity even before details are revealed. This moment marks a significant emotional turning point for him as he grapples with disbelief and grief.

• At the police station later, Nells observes Jon’s stoic demeanor during their meeting which raises suspicions about his truthfulness regarding events surrounding Sherry’s death; this silence leaves Nells unsettled amidst growing tension around them both emotionally and circumstantially.

Sherry's Tragic Story: Unraveling the Mystery

The Stalking and Harassment Before Sherry's Death

• Nells recounts the months leading up to Sherry's death, detailing her experiences of stalking, threats, and harassment.

• A significant incident involved Jon's ex-girlfriend breaking into Sherry's home, confronting her in a terrifying encounter that left emotional scars.

Police Response and Family Frustration

• Despite the evident danger from these events, police indicated they could do little without a name, leaving Nells feeling frustrated and helpless.

• Nells feels that the truth behind his daughter's death is more complex than what law enforcement acknowledges; he observes a lack of progress in the investigation after a month.

Investigative Dismissal and New Incidents

• The Rasmusen family does not view Jon as suspicious; however, police remain focused on a burglary theory despite their pleas to investigate Sherry’s stalker.

• Another alarming incident occurs nearby when two men break into another home with similarities to Sherry’s case, raising concerns for the Rasmusens.

Evidence Recovery and Ongoing Uncertainty

• Detectives believe this new break-in is connected to Sherry’s murder but fail to find solid leads as time passes.

• Police recover Sherry’s car and purse but find them meticulously cleaned of fingerprints, providing no answers or direction for the investigation.

Long-Term Impact on the Rasmusen Family

• Nearly 15 years later, Nell's Rasmusen remains haunted by his daughter’s unsolved murder while following advancements in forensic science.

• A change in lead investigator offers hope for progress; Nells reaches out with ideas for moving forward but faces alarming evidence loss shortly thereafter.

Continued Advocacy Amidst Challenges

• The Rasmusens persistently advocate for their daughter’s case despite ongoing frustrations with law enforcement carelessness regarding evidence management.

• They travel frequently to meet new investigators over decades but consistently leave feeling disheartened by lack of progress.

Breakthrough in Forensic Science

• By November 2001, LAPD creates a specialized unit focusing on cold cases using DNA testing due to advancements in forensic science.

• Jennifer Francis takes over Sherry's case but finds troubling inconsistencies regarding collected evidence during her review.

Discovery of Critical Evidence

• Francis uncovers notes about a bite mark on Sherry that should have produced two DNA profiles—one from her attacker—which raises questions about prior investigations.

• She suspects mishandling of evidence occurred at some point during initial investigations and continues searching diligently through paperwork.

The Relentless Pursuit of Justice

Jennifer Francis's Determination

• Despite facing numerous obstacles and resistance, Jennifer Francis remains committed to Sherry's case, demonstrating her dedication to uncovering the truth.

• A breakthrough occurs when a Los Angeles County coroner finds a damaged evidence package containing an intact glass tube with DNA from an unknown woman, challenging previous assumptions about the crime.

Developing New Theories

• As Francis investigates further, she learns about Nell Rasmusen's attempts to alert police regarding Sherry’s ex-girlfriend and stalker, leading her to consider that they might be the same person responsible for Sherry's death.

• When presenting her theory to a detective, she discovers that Jon’s ex-girlfriend is an LAPD officer, complicating the investigation and raising suspicions.

Facing Institutional Resistance

• Francis encounters significant pushback from supervisors who label her as unstable and overly emotional despite her strong evidence.

• Ordered to attend counseling sessions by the LAPD, these meetings focus on her knowledge of the case rather than her mental health, marking a turning point in how she is perceived within the department.

Isolation and Mockery

• Colleagues begin to view Francis as a liability; she faces mockery and isolation for challenging established narratives surrounding Sherry’s case.

• This treatment mirrors Nell Rasmusen's earlier experiences of being dismissed for seeking justice.

A Shift in Investigation Dynamics

• In November 2009, after years of persistence, Francis is contacted by Detective James Nutal regarding new developments in the Rasmusen case.

• Although hesitant due to past experiences of distrust within law enforcement, Francis cautiously shares concerns about potential evidence tampering without revealing all details.

Collaborative Efforts Unfold

• Nutal already possesses test results indicating DNA from another woman; he forms a confidential group within homicide division to investigate further alongside Francis.

Revisiting Old Evidence

• Nutal and his team review original case files which reveal troubling questions about prior investigative conclusions made too hastily regarding Jon Rutin’s involvement.

• They discover inconsistencies in how Jon was treated as a suspect despite multiple reports highlighting issues with his ex-girlfriend.

Engaging Key Witnesses

• Nutal reaches out to Jon Rutin for insights into his past relationship with Stephanie Lazarus—now an LAPD detective—who had been obsessively involved with him during their college years.

• Jon openly discusses incidents related to stalking and identifies Lazarus as a key suspect while revealing previously unrecorded details that could reshape the investigation.

Investigation and Justice: The Case of Sherry Rasmusen

Surveillance and Evidence Collection

• A detective initiates discreet surveillance on a suspect carrying a weapon, ensuring the investigation remains unimpeded. Officers recover discarded items, including a used soda cup for DNA testing.

• The DNA from a bite mark is confirmed to match Stephanie Lazarus, leading to strategic planning by Nutal's team to lure her into an area where firearms are prohibited under the pretense of needing her help with a difficult suspect.

Collaboration and Acknowledgment

• For the first time since Sherry Rasmusen's murder, all parties involved align towards achieving justice. Jennifer Francis shares her mistreatment within the department after uncovering crucial DNA evidence.

• John Rutin finally speaks out about his experiences, revealing how police altered his statements and restricted his contact with Sherry’s family. This collective effort leads to significant progress in the case.

Trial and Verdict

• After four months of investigation and three weeks of trial proceedings, the jury reaches a verdict in less than one day. Sherry's family receives justice after 26 years of perseverance.

• In 2023, Lazarus admits to killing Sherry in exchange for eligibility for release from prison. Although Nell Rasmusen has passed away, his earlier statement is preserved for future hearings regarding Lazarus’s potential release.

Reflection on Justice

• The narrative emphasizes that justice can be delayed but ultimately prevails. It highlights the profound betrayal experienced by victims' families when perpetrators evade accountability for years while living freely under false identities.

• Sherry's story serves as a poignant reminder that time does not erase guilt; rather, it underscores the enduring significance of seeking justice despite prolonged struggles faced by loved ones left behind.