Crimes of the Times: "Killer with a Badge: How the LAPD Missed a Murderer in its Ranks"

L.A. Times Studios | Hosted by Christopher Goffard
Date: November 18, 2025

Episode Overview

This gripping episode of "Crimes of the Times," hosted by investigative journalist Christopher Goffard, examines the infamous murder case of Sherri Rasmussen and how the LAPD failed to identify one of its own—Officer Stephanie Lazarus—as her killer for over two decades. Goffard and guest Matthew McGough (author of "The Lazarus Files") dissect the investigation’s missteps, institutional biases, and the lasting consequences for justice and trust in law enforcement.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Murder of Sherri Rasmussen ([00:00]–[02:01])

• Crime Scene & Initial Theory

  • In 1986, Sherri Rasmussen, a highly respected nurse, is found bludgeoned, shot three times, and bitten.
  • LAPD quickly concludes it was a burglary gone wrong, supported by evidence such as stereo equipment near the door and her stolen car.

• Alternative Suspicions: Stalking and the Ex

  • Family and friends believe the motive is personal, pointing to a female stalker: John Reuten’s ex-girlfriend, Stephanie Lazarus, an LAPD officer.
  • “Basically, Sherry had complained to friends and and her parents that she had a stalker... it was a woman because she made comments like, I’m being followed by someone who’s dressed like a man.” — Matthew McGough [01:42]

2. LAPD Tunnel Vision and Missed Red Flags ([04:40]–[07:50])

• Ignoring Discomforting Evidence

  • Ballistics reveal bullets matching LAPD issue and Lazarus later claims her backup gun was stolen post-murder.
  • The brutality of the crime, combined with possible insider knowledge, point to a personal—and possibly police—connection.

• Family Advocacy Dismissed

  • Rasmussen family persistently urges LAPD to investigate Lazarus, but are brushed off.
  • “The department insisted this was a burglary, up to and including telling Nels, you watch too much television...” — Matthew McGough [06:44]
  • Connie Rasmussen wonders if someone inside LAPD protected Lazarus.

3. The Lazarus-Rutten Relationship Triangle ([08:33]–[09:09])

• Explores the ambiguous relationship between Rutten and Lazarus.
• McGough summarizes: “An amorphous relationship where... they weren’t really a couple. That’s where things stood until John met Sherry... And then within a few months after the wedding, Sherry was dead.” [08:33]

4. Mishandled Evidence and Institutional Gaps ([09:09]–[10:00])

• Trace evidence—possibly damning—vanishes from case files and coroner's office.
• “It’s not standard or normal for evidence in an unsolved homicide case to go missing. That’s not supposed to happen under any circumstances...” — Matthew McGough [09:37]

5. The DNA Breakthrough ([10:00]–[13:03])

• A bite mark on Rasmussen’s forearm preserved crucial DNA evidence.
• In 2005, newly available DNA testing reveals the assailant was female, debunking the “two man burglary” theory.
• Despite this, years of neglect and bureaucratic inertia follow:
  • “Nothing happened... There’s something obvious to be investigated. All you have to do is investigate it.” — Matthew McGough [12:46]

6. The Arrest and Trial of Stephanie Lazarus ([16:27]–[18:35])

• Confrontation and Denials

  • In 2009, detectives lure Lazarus downtown and confront her; she denies knowing Sherri but then admits some contact.
  • “You’re accusing me of this? Am I on candid camera or something? This is insane.” — Stephanie Lazarus, paraphrased [16:27]

• Obsession Revealed

  • Letters from Lazarus reveal her fixation on John Rutten, further implicating a strong personal motive.

• Conviction and Institutional Response

  • Lazarus convicted of first-degree murder in 2012 and sentenced to 27 years to life.
  • Despite promises, LAPD’s internal investigation into mishandling fades without meaningful accountability.

7. Recent Developments: Parole and Partial Admission ([18:41]–[23:04])

• A 2023 parole board brief release after just 11 years citing low risk, later reversed.
• At a 2025 hearing, Lazarus admits to the killing, characterizing it as a crime of passion and loneliness:
  • “I just wanted to have, I guess, what other people had.” — Stephanie Lazarus [19:30]
  • Details of the confession hint at premeditation, but are self-serving; prosecutor Paul Nunez doubts its veracity and denounces attempts to shift blame.
• “She must have known Rutten was at work and that his wife would be alone. You can’t give a half story about a murder and put some of the blame on the victim.” — Paul Nunez [20:45]

8. Questions of Institutional Accountability ([23:04]–[25:32])

• McGough and Goffard press for answers from LAPD but encounter a wall of silence.
  • “No one had been contacted. These are basic, obvious questions, and I would say it does not serve the LAPD’s reputation... to stick with the strategy of sticking its fingers in its ears and not listening.” — Matthew McGough [25:05]
• The family’s lawsuit against the LAPD is dismissed due to the statute of limitations.

Memorable Quotes

• “Detectives thought it looked like a burglary gone bad… But Sherri Rasmussen’s family was convinced that there was a more personal motive.” — Christopher Goffard [00:44]
• “There was an ex girlfriend of John’s who was an LAPD officer, who really kind of wouldn’t leave them alone.” — Matthew McGough [02:09]
• “It’s kind of galling to look back at her career knowing the things that she did with a murder on her conscience.” — Matthew McGough [11:11]
• “Evidence of a hellacious fight was obvious from the amount of blood and disarray in the living room.” — Matthew McGough [21:54]

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |--------------------------------------------------------------|-------------| | The Crime, Burglary Theory, and Stalking Motive | 00:00–02:09 | | Ballistics, Missing Evidence, and Bias | 04:40–07:50 | | Relationship Triangle (Rutten, Lazarus, Rasmussen) | 08:33–09:09 | | DNA Evidence and the Cold Case Breakthrough | 10:00–13:03 | | Lazarus' Arrest, Interrogation, and Courtroom Drama | 16:27–18:35 | | Parole Hearing, Partial Confession & New Controversies | 18:41–23:04 | | Calls for Accountability, LAPD's Silence, Lawsuit Dismissed | 23:04–25:32 |

Tone and Style

The episode maintains an investigative, measured, yet empathetic tone. Goffard lets the complexity and human cost of the story emerge naturally through detailed reporting and first-person quotes. McGough brings a research-driven, persistent voice, emphasizing unanswered questions and pressing for honest institutional reckoning.

Conclusion

This episode expertly deconstructs the Rasmussen murder case and its profound implications for investigative integrity and police culture. It emphasizes the devastating consequences of institutional blind spots and the tireless pursuit of truth by both the victim’s family and determined journalists. The story serves as both a cautionary tale and a demand for reforms ensuring justice, regardless of where the evidence leads.