Podcast Summary:

Conspiracy Theories, Cults, & Crimes
Episode: 40 Years Later: The Rasmussen Coverup, with Carter Roy
Release Date: February 20, 2026
Host: Vanessa Richardson
Guest: Carter Roy

Episode Overview

This episode examines the infamous 1986 murder of Sherry Rasmussen, a Los Angeles nurse, and the controversial 23-year LAPD investigation that followed. Vanessa Richardson and Carter Roy take listeners through the decades-long case, deeply analyzing the departmental failures, family’s persistent advocacy, and final conviction of LAPD officer Stephanie Lazarus. The story is presented not just as a true crime tale, but as a revealing look at institutional blind spots and the challenges of holding law enforcement accountable.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Night of the Murder: Initial Investigation

• Discovery of the Crime

  • February 24, 1986: John Ruetten returns home to find shattered glass and his wife Sherry Rasmussen, age 29, dead on their living room floor ([05:03]).
  • Signs of struggle and staged burglary: electronics stacked by the door, bullet holes, a shattered vase, and missing BMW.

• Police Response and First Theory

  • Detectives Mayer and Hooks immediately theorize a burglary gone wrong ([06:19]), focusing on stolen items and forced entry points.
  • Notable moment:
    “Their instincts told them Sherry was the victim of a burglary gone wrong... John was clearly in shock.” – Carter Roy ([06:19])

Forensic Oversights and Early Dead Ends

• Forensic Evidence Collection

  • Rope, speaker wire, stray fingernails, and a bloody print missed in initial sweeps ([07:27]).
  • Bite mark on Sherry’s forearm becomes key evidence.

• Suspect Interviews and Lapses

  • John, Sherry’s husband, is interviewed but omits details about his ex, LAPD officer Stephanie Lazarus, and the couple’s tension about finances ([09:59]).
  • Sherry’s father Nels suggests possible suspects, including John’s ex-girlfriend, but police appear dismissive ([11:42], [21:30]).
  • Conflicting recollections emerge about what was actually discussed.

Misguided Focus: The Burglary Theory

• Narrowing the Pool and Stalling Clues
  • Detectives hone in on burglary motives, disregarding the more personal connections—namely Lazarus ([13:21], [22:47]).
  • Sherry’s BMW is found abandoned, reinforcing the burglary narrative for police ([26:32]).
  • Stephanie Lazarus files a report about her stolen .38 caliber revolver—weeks after the murder and likely the murder weapon ([27:34]).

The Case Goes Cold

• Family Advocacy and LAPD Inertia
  • Rasmussen family persists in urging police to consider Lazarus, but are repeatedly rejected ([30:11]-[32:09]).
  • Rewards and press conferences yield no leads.
  • By 1991, original investigators have moved on or retired, and the file is boxed away ([33:58]).

The Cold Case Reopened: DNA Breakthroughs

• Resurrected Investigation

  • In 2008, Detective Jim Nuttall discovers the file and sees overlooked forensic potential ([35:11]).
  • In 2005, DNA from the bite mark finds a female suspect, but this is not seriously acted on at the time.

• Connecting the Dots

  • In 2009, John finally identifies Stephanie Lazarus as a potential suspect when interviewed by Nuttall, reigniting the case ([36:25]).
  • Investigation into Lazarus is handled with extreme secrecy given her status as a fellow officer ([38:45]).

Stephanie Lazarus Becomes the Prime Suspect

• Surveillance and DNA Collection

  • Officers stealthily collect Lazarus’s DNA from a discarded soda straw at Costco, linking her to saliva found on Sherry’s body ([39:37]-[40:27]).
  • The evidence is conclusive: Stephanie Lazarus murdered Sherry Rasmussen.

• Concealing the Investigation

  • Detectives create a generic file to hide the reopened case from curious eyes inside the LAPD ([38:45]).
  • Memorable moment:
    “He swore Nuttall and the others to absolute secrecy.” – Carter Roy ([38:45])

Arrest, Trial, and Aftermath

• Arrest and Public Outrage

  • Lazarus is lured under the pretense of interviewing a suspect, only to be arrested herself ([41:00]).
  • LAPD claims her arrest proves ‘the system works,’ but public and family skepticism persists ([41:00]).

• Trial and Sentencing

  • Stephanie pleads not guilty, refuses to testify, but is found guilty and sentenced to 27 years-to-life (March 8, 2012) ([41:56]).
  • She is entitled to a full pension, raising further public ire.
  • Quote:
    “Despite her official plea, the evidence was clear.” – Carter Roy ([41:56])

• Civil Litigation and Lack of Accountability

  • Rasmussen family’s wrongful death suit is dismissed under governmental immunity ([43:19]).
  • Internal affairs investigation goes nowhere; no LAPD personnel are disciplined ([44:05]).
  • Notable sentiment:
    “No one at the LAPD has ever been held responsible for any mistakes made during the investigation.” – Carter Roy ([44:05])

Resolution and Reflection

• Parole, Confession, and Legacy
  • Lazarus confesses at her 2023 parole hearing but is denied release ([44:37]).
  • The Rasmussens find some closure, though LAPD’s failures remain unaddressed.
  • Final reflection:
    “Her story should remind us all how important transparency is during a criminal investigation, because everyone has blind spots, even seasoned homicide detectives.” – Carter Roy ([45:23])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the initial cover-up:
  “For decades, Sherry's family begged detectives to widen their suspect pool. The authorities didn't listen until 23 years later, and when they finally reopened the case in 2009, their findings left the people of Los Angeles wondering. Could they really trust the officers who were meant to protect them?” – Vanessa Richardson ([01:29])

• On missed opportunities:
  “The one thing John and the detectives agreed on was that he did mention Stephanie Lazarus, but never admitted to sleeping with her. And he didn't describe Stephanie's full pattern of harassment leading up to the murder.” – Vanessa Richardson ([20:19])

• On departmental denial:
  “According to them, the case was not mishandled and no one involved engaged in any kind of misconduct.” – Carter Roy ([44:05])

• On closure and trust:
  “Her story should remind us all how important transparency is during a criminal investigation, because everyone has blind spots, even seasoned homicide detectives who are trying to do their job. The truth is, our society places a lot of trust in the police. And if this tragedy can teach us anything. It's that this trust should go two ways.” – Carter Roy ([45:23])

Important Timestamps

• [05:03] – Discovery of Sherry’s body & initial crime scene details
• [09:59] – John’s first interview, omissions about Lazarus, and discussion of prank calls
• [11:42] – Family’s early suspicion, Nels’s belief in Lazarus as a suspect
• [26:32] – Sherry’s BMW found, LAPD doubles down on burglary theory
• [27:34] – Stephanie Lazarus reports her police revolver “stolen”
• [33:58] – Case grows cold, file relegated to archives
• [35:11] – Cold case revived, DNA profile implicates a woman
• [36:25] – John finally names Stephanie as a suspect to cold case detective
• [40:27] – Surveillance yields DNA match between Lazarus and the bite mark
• [41:00] – Lazarus’s arrest & media firestorm
• [41:56] – Trial proceedings, verdict, and sentencing
• [43:19] – Family lawsuit and institutional impunity
• [44:37] – Lazarus confesses at parole hearing; request denied

Episode Takeaway

This episode skillfully revisits the web of institutional bias, investigative error, and familial resilience surrounding the Sherry Rasmussen murder. Through a meticulous breakdown, Vanessa Richardson and Carter Roy illuminate the ongoing challenges facing those who seek justice against the powerful, and offer a poignant reminder that trust in law enforcement must be matched with transparency and accountability at every turn.