"Fatal Attraction" - The Murder of Sherri Rasmussen: The FULL MK Confidential Series

1. The Discovery of Sherri Rasmussen

Timestamp: 00:00:40 to 00:04:43 - watch this moment on skim

Sherri Rasmussen was found dead in her Van Nuys condo on February 24, 1986, by her husband John Rutton. The scene suggested a violent struggle, with signs of a break-in and significant disarray, including a shattered glass door and bloodstains.

Significance (High): This marked the beginning of a tragic case that would remain unsolved for over two decades, leaving a family in grief and a community unsettled.

Sources in support: Megyn Kelly (Host), Rob Bub (Retired LAPD Homicide Detective), Lyall Mayer (LAPD Homicide Detective)

Neutral sources: Anastasia Valinitis (Neighbor), Teresa Rasmussen (Sister of victim), Connie Rasmussen (Sister of victim), Nells Rasmussen (Father of victim), Loretta Rasmussen (Mother of victim)

2. The Flawed Burglary Theory

Timestamp: 00:15:47 to 00:22:35 - watch this moment on skim

LAPD detectives Lyall Mayer and Steve Hooks, influenced by the chaotic crime scene and the city's high crime rate, quickly theorized that Sherri Rasmussen was the victim of a burglary gone wrong. This theory was supported by the missing purse and car, and the stacked electronics suggesting an interrupted theft.

Significance (High): This initial theory, while seemingly plausible given the circumstances, led to a misdirection of the investigation, potentially causing crucial evidence to be overlooked or dismissed.

Sources in support: Lyall Mayer (LAPD Homicide Detective), Steve Hooks (LAPD Burglary Detective), Rodney Forest (LAPD Officer)

Sources against: Rob Bub (Retired LAPD Homicide Detective), Matthew McGuff (Author/Journalist)

Neutral sources: Megyn Kelly (Host)

3. Overlooked Forensic Evidence

Timestamp: 00:19:19 to 00:20:54 - watch this moment on skim

Critical forensic evidence, including a bloody fingerprint on a discarded disc player and marks on Sherri's wrists consistent with being bound, was either not properly collected, photographed, or entered into evidence. This oversight significantly hampered the investigation and supported the flawed burglary theory.

Significance (High): The failure to properly process and analyze key physical evidence meant that vital clues pointing away from a simple burglary were lost, leaving the case cold for decades.

Sources in support: Rob Bub (Retired LAPD Homicide Detective), Matthew McGuff (Author/Journalist)

Neutral sources: Megyn Kelly (Host), Lyall Mayer (LAPD Homicide Detective)

4. The Long Road to Justice

Timestamp: 00:25:53 to 00:28:50 - watch this moment on skim

Despite the initial investigation's shortcomings, the case of Sherri Rasmussen remained open. Decades later, advancements in forensic technology and persistent efforts by investigators and family members led to the identification and conviction of the killer, bringing a measure of closure.

Significance (High): This demonstrates the enduring power of dedicated investigation and the importance of re-examining cold cases, offering a glimmer of hope for other families seeking justice.

Sources in support: Megyn Kelly (Host), Rob Bub (Retired LAPD Homicide Detective)

Neutral sources: Teresa Rasmussen (Sister of victim), Connie Rasmussen (Sister of victim), Nells Rasmussen (Father of victim), Loretta Rasmussen (Mother of victim)

5. The Crucial Bite Mark Swab

Timestamp: 00:27:52 to 00:29:41 - watch this moment on skim

In 1986, coroner's criminalist Lloyd Mahaney collected a bite mark swab from Sherri Rasmussen's arm, meticulously labeling and preserving it. This sample, containing potential DNA from the assailant, was stored in a freezer, a critical step that would prove vital nearly two decades later.

Significance (High): This meticulous collection and preservation of a biological sample, even with the limited forensic capabilities of 1986, laid the groundwork for a future breakthrough. It underscores the importance of thorough procedure in even seemingly routine evidence collection.

Sources in support: Megyn Kelly (Host)

Neutral sources: Loretta Rasmussen (Mother of victim)

6. The Vanishing Evidence

Timestamp: 00:30:55 to 00:33:25 - watch this moment on skim

Despite Mahaney's careful collection, the bite mark swab disappeared from official records. Detective Cliff Shepard's 2003 request for the evidence was met with confusion, as neither the LAPD property log nor the coroner's office could locate it, highlighting significant issues in evidence management and tracking.

Significance (High): The disappearance of such critical evidence raises serious questions about the integrity of the investigation and the competence of the departments involved. It demonstrates how procedural failures can obstruct justice for years.

Sources in support: Teresa Rasmussen (Sister of victim)

Neutral sources: Connie Rasmussen (Sister of victim), Loretta Rasmussen (Mother of victim)

7. Jennifer Francis's Forensic Pursuit

Timestamp: 00:33:36 to 00:36:41 - watch this moment on skim

New criminalist Jennifer Francis, tasked with analyzing cold cases, took on Sherri Rasmussen's murder. Her investigation into the missing bite swab, involving persistent calls to the coroner's office and meticulous review of case files, eventually led to its rediscovery after nearly 19 years.

Significance (High): Francis's dedication and methodical approach were instrumental in overcoming bureaucratic hurdles and recovering the lost evidence. Her work exemplifies the crucial role of forensic scientists in breathing new life into cold cases.

Sources in support: Anastasia Valinitis (Neighbor), Teresa Rasmussen (Sister of victim)

Neutral sources: Loretta Rasmussen (Mother of victim)

8. DNA Breakthrough: An Unexpected Female Profile

Timestamp: 00:50:35 to 00:53:34 - watch this moment on skim

Upon finally analyzing the recovered bite mark swab in 2005, Jennifer Francis discovered it contained DNA from an unknown female, not the male suspect initially theorized. This finding contradicted the prevailing burglary theory and opened new avenues for investigation.

Significance (High): The DNA result was a seismic shift, directly challenging the established narrative and forcing investigators to reconsider their assumptions. It highlighted the power of DNA evidence to overturn long-held theories and redirect investigations.

Sources in support: Anastasia Valinitis (Neighbor)

Neutral sources: Teresa Rasmussen (Sister of victim), Loretta Rasmussen (Mother of victim)

9. Megyn Kelly: The Turning Point of DNA Evidence

Timestamp: 00:56:49 to 00:59:05 - watch this moment on skim

The initial theory of a burglary was debunked when detectives discovered blood on the stereo equipment, suggesting the scene was staged. The critical turning point came with the discovery of female DNA from a bite mark, indicating a woman was involved and shifting the investigation's focus from random burglary to a targeted act.

Significance (High): This forensic breakthrough fundamentally altered the investigation's trajectory, moving it from a cold, unsolved burglary to a solvable murder case with a specific suspect profile.

Sources in support: Anastasia Valinitis (Neighbor)

Neutral sources: Teresa Rasmussen (Sister of victim)

10. Jim Nuttall: Identifying the Female Suspect

Timestamp: 00:59:05 to 01:01:02 - watch this moment on skim

Detective Jim Nuttall, after debunking the burglary theory and finding female DNA, began building a list of potential female suspects. John Rutton identified Stephanie Lazarus, a former girlfriend and current LAPD detective, as someone who had a problem with Sherri Rasmussen. This revelation immediately elevated Lazarus to a person of interest.

Significance (High): The identification of Stephanie Lazarus, an active police officer, presented a unique and challenging dynamic for the investigators, requiring extreme discretion and a careful approach.

Sources in support: Anastasia Valinitis (Neighbor), Connie Rasmussen (Sister of victim), Loretta Rasmussen (Mother of victim)

11. The Covert Surveillance Operation

Timestamp: 01:11:03 to 01:15:28 - watch this moment on skim

To obtain DNA evidence without alerting Stephanie Lazarus, Van Nuys detectives initiated a covert surveillance operation. They meticulously tracked her routine, eventually collecting a DNA sample from a discarded cup at a Costco, which later matched the DNA found at the crime scene.

Significance (High): This high-stakes surveillance operation, involving undercover LAPD officers, was crucial in obtaining the definitive DNA match that would lead to Lazarus's arrest.

Sources in support: Nells Rasmussen (Father of victim), Anastasia Valinitis (Neighbor), Lyall Mayer (LAPD Homicide Detective), Steve Hooks (LAPD Burglary Detective)

Neutral sources: Megyn Kelly (Host)

12. Stephanie Lazarus: A History of Obsession

Timestamp: 01:19:05 to 01:24:11 - watch this moment on skim

The investigation revealed a deep-seated obsession Stephanie Lazarus held for John Rutton, stemming from their college relationship. Despite John marrying Sherri Rasmussen, Lazarus continued to pursue him, even confronting Sherri directly at her workplace and issuing a chilling threat: 'if I could not have John, no one could.'

Significance (High): This history of obsession provides a powerful motive for the murder, illustrating Lazarus's possessiveness and her willingness to take extreme measures to get what she wanted.

Sources in support: Connie Rasmussen (Sister of victim), Rob Bub (Retired LAPD Homicide Detective), Megyn Kelly (Host)

13. The Obsession Begins

Timestamp: 01:24:48 to 01:26:07 - watch this moment on skim

Stephanie Lazarus harbored an intense, unrequited obsession with John Rutton, which escalated after he became engaged to Sherri Rasmussen. Lazarus's diary entries and letters reveal her deep emotional turmoil and possessiveness over Rutton, setting the stage for her later actions.

Significance (High): This obsession is presented as the primary motive for the murder, establishing the emotional foundation for the crime. It highlights the dangerous potential of unmanaged romantic fixation.

Sources in support: Megyn Kelly (Host), Anastasia Valinitis (Neighbor)

Neutral sources: Teresa Rasmussen (Sister of victim)

14. The Brutal Murder and Immediate Suspicions

Timestamp: 01:26:38 to 01:29:55 - watch this moment on skim

Sherri Rasmussen was brutally murdered in her home on February 24th, 1986. Immediately following the discovery, both her husband, John Rutton, and her father, Nells Rasmusen, directed detectives to investigate John's ex-girlfriend, Stephanie Lazarus, who was an LAPD officer.

Significance (High): This establishes the crime and the immediate, albeit initially unheeded, identification of the prime suspect. It highlights the family's immediate suspicion and the police's early, critical misstep in not pursuing this lead vigorously.

Sources in support: Teresa Rasmussen (Sister of victim), Connie Rasmussen (Sister of victim), Megyn Kelly (Host)

15. Investigative Failures and Missed Clues

Timestamp: 01:27:50 to 01:30:38 - watch this moment on skim

Despite Rutton and Rasmusen identifying Lazarus, detectives, particularly Lyall Mayor, allegedly dismissed her as a suspect, focusing instead on a burglary theory. Key information, including Lazarus's identity as a police officer and her confrontation with Rasmussen, was reportedly not properly recorded or followed up on for decades.

Significance (High): This points to a systemic failure within the LAPD, possibly due to tunnel vision or a reluctance to investigate a fellow officer, which allowed the case to go cold for 23 years.

Sources in support: Megyn Kelly (Host), Connie Rasmussen (Sister of victim), Rob Bub (Retired LAPD Homicide Detective)

Neutral sources: Lyall Mayer (LAPD Homicide Detective)

16. The Trial: Love Triangle and DNA Evidence

Timestamp: 01:38:39 to 01:43:35 - watch this moment on skim

During the 2012 trial, prosecutors presented Lazarus's obsession with Rutton as the motive, highlighting evidence like bite marks with matching DNA, a stolen .38 revolver, and Lazarus's own writings. The defense challenged the evidence, including the integrity of the DNA swab, but independent testing confirmed the match.

Significance (High): This details the core arguments and evidence presented in court, showcasing how scientific evidence ultimately linked Lazarus to the crime despite defense challenges, leading to her conviction.

Sources in support: Megyn Kelly (Host), Matthew McGuff (Author/Journalist), Teresa Rasmussen (Sister of victim)

17. The Unraveling of the Investigation

Timestamp: 01:53:37 to 01:56:20 - watch this moment on skim

The initial investigation into Sherri Rasmussen's murder was plagued by critical errors, including the disappearance of key documents and the mishandling of evidence, which allowed Stephanie Lazarus to evade suspicion for decades. The original handwritten log from the first three months after the murder vanished, and trace evidence left the coroner's office unsecured while Lazarus was present.

Significance (High): This systemic failure allowed a murderer to remain free and potentially continue her career, eroding public trust in law enforcement's ability to conduct thorough and impartial investigations.

Sources in support: Megyn Kelly (Host), Anastasia Valinitis (Neighbor), Teresa Rasmussen (Sister of victim)

Neutral sources: Nells Rasmussen (Father of victim), Loretta Rasmussen (Mother of victim)

18. Forensic Breakthrough and Lazarus's Identification

Timestamp: 01:55:41 to 01:57:05 - watch this moment on skim

A crucial breakthrough came from a bitemark swab found in the coroner's basement freezer, which yielded female DNA. Criminalist Jennifer Francis identified this DNA, and LAPD detective Cliff Shepard's subsequent inquiry, though initially dismissive, eventually led to Stephanie Lazarus being identified as a suspect, despite her name being noted only briefly in the murder book.

Significance (High): The forensic evidence, combined with a renewed look by investigators, finally provided a tangible link to the perpetrator after years of stagnation, demonstrating the power of persistent scientific analysis.

Sources in support: Loretta Rasmussen (Mother of victim), Nells Rasmussen (Father of victim)

Neutral sources: Megyn Kelly (Host)

19. Lazarus's Parole Hearings and Shifting Confessions

Timestamp: 01:59:13 to 02:02:25 - watch this moment on skim

During her parole hearings, Stephanie Lazarus has offered evolving accounts of the murder. Initially pleading not guilty and remaining silent at sentencing, she later admitted to killing Sherri Rasmussen, but her descriptions of the events, including the struggle and her motivations, have varied, often appearing self-serving and lacking full accountability.

Significance (High): Lazarus's shifting narratives and selective admissions during parole hearings highlight her strategic approach to seeking release, raising doubts about genuine remorse and the full truth of her actions.

Sources in support: Megyn Kelly (Host), Anastasia Valinitis (Neighbor), Teresa Rasmussen (Sister of victim), Rob Bub (Retired LAPD Homicide Detective)

Initial Investigation Bias (High severity)

Type: Professional

Detectives Lyall Mayer and Steve Hooks, along with Officer Rodney Forest, quickly adopted a burglary theory for Sherri Rasmussen's murder, potentially overlooking other leads due to the high crime rate in Los Angeles at the time and the apparent signs of a struggle.

Significance: This premature focus on a burglary narrative may have led to critical evidence being mishandled or ignored, such as the bloody fingerprint and the intact electronics, ultimately delaying justice for Sherri Rasmussen for over two decades.

Internal LAPD Investigation (High severity)

Type: Professional

The investigation into Stephanie Lazarus, an active LAPD detective, was conducted by detectives from a different department (Van Nuys PD) and later handed over to the LAPD's own Robbery Homicide Division, creating a potential conflict of interest due to departmental loyalty and internal politics.

Significance: This professional entanglement raises critical questions about whether the investigation could be compromised by internal pressures or a desire to protect one of their own. The close proximity of Lazarus's department to the Robbery Homicide unit amplifies concerns about impartiality.

Stephanie Lazarus's Role as Detective (High severity)

Type: Professional

Stephanie Lazarus, an LAPD detective with experience in internal affairs, was accused of murder. Her position within the police force could have provided her with knowledge of investigative procedures and potential blind spots.

Significance: Her status as a fellow officer presents a significant hurdle for external investigators and raises concerns about whether she could have anticipated or manipulated the investigation due to her insider knowledge. This dynamic inherently complicates the pursuit of justice.

Detective's Alleged Tunnel Vision (High severity)

Type: Professional

Lead detective Lyall Mayor allegedly focused solely on a burglary theory, dismissing or ignoring leads pointing to Stephanie Lazarus, a fellow LAPD officer. This raises questions about whether professional loyalty or bias influenced the investigation's direction.

Significance: This potential 'back the blue' mentality or ingrained tunnel vision could have critically delayed justice for Sherri Rasmussen for over two decades, allowing a killer to remain free and potentially compromising the integrity of the initial investigation.

Missing Evidence Handling (High severity)

Type: Professional

Trace evidence collected from the victim's body, including bullets, disappeared from LAPD records. Detective Phil Moret's signature is on the removal paperwork, but he denies recollection, and Detective Steve Fisk allegedly downplayed the importance of DNA testing. This points to a potential cover-up or gross negligence within the LAPD.

Significance: The disappearance of crucial evidence, especially if orchestrated or due to negligence by law enforcement, fundamentally undermines the justice system. It raises serious doubts about the thoroughness and honesty of the investigation and could have prevented Lazarus's earlier apprehension.

John Rutton's Relationship with Accused (Medium severity)

Type: Personal

John Rutton, the victim's husband, had a sexual relationship with Stephanie Lazarus, the convicted murderer, even after becoming engaged to Sherri Rasmussen. He also admitted to having sex with Lazarus after his engagement to Sherri.

Significance: This complex personal history between the victim's husband and the perpetrator introduces a layer of emotional entanglement. While Rutton's testimony was crucial, his past relationship with Lazarus could be seen as a complicating factor, though it ultimately did not prevent his identification of Lazarus as a suspect.

LAPD Detective as Perpetrator (High severity)

Type: Professional

Stephanie Lazarus, the convicted murderer, was an LAPD detective. This professional connection raises questions about potential internal bias, cover-ups, or preferential treatment during the initial investigation and subsequent handling of the case by the department.

Significance: This is not merely a case of a rogue officer; it's an indictment of the system. The LAPD's internal dynamics and potential complicity in obscuring evidence or delaying justice cast a long shadow over the integrity of law enforcement and the pursuit of truth.

Victim's Family's Vested Interest (High severity)

Type: Personal

The victim's family members (Teresa Lane, Connie Rasmusen, Loretta Rasmusen, Nells Rasmusen) are deeply invested in ensuring Stephanie Lazarus remains imprisoned and is not granted parole. Their statements and actions are driven by profound grief and a desire for justice, which inherently colors their perspective.

Significance: While their emotional testimony is crucial for understanding the human cost of the crime, it's vital to recognize that their advocacy for continued incarceration is a natural, albeit biased, response to their trauma. This personal stake means their accounts, while heartfelt, are not neutral assessments of Lazarus's rehabilitation.

John Rutton's Dual Role (Medium severity)

Type: Personal

John Rutton was the victim's ex-boyfriend and initially a suspect. He later testified against Lazarus. His past relationship with Sherri Rasmussen and his involvement in the events leading up to her murder create a personal conflict of interest in his testimony and statements.

Significance: Rutton's testimony is pivotal, but his history with both the victim and the accused means his narrative could be shaped by personal dynamics and past grievances. The audience must consider how his complex relationships might influence his account of events and his stance on Lazarus's culpability.