Podcast Summary: Scams, Money, & Murder

Episode: 40 Years Later: The Murder of Sherri Rasmussen Pt. 1 | Murder: True Crime Stories

Hosts: Carter Roy & Vanessa Richardson
Date: February 26, 2026

Overview

This episode launches a two-part deep dive into the murder of Sherri Rasmussen, 40 years after her death. Hosts Carter Roy and Vanessa Richardson piece together Rasmussen’s life, the fateful love triangle behind her murder, and the dangerous obsession that led to tragedy. The episode focuses on the background of Sherri, her relationship with her husband John Rutten, and the emerging threat from John's ex, Stephanie Lazarus. The story sets up the tension, the ignored warnings, and ends with Sherri’s shocking murder, paving the way for Pt. 2.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Life and Accomplishments of Sherri Rasmussen

[05:52] Carter Roy:

• Sherri was an exceptionally bright and ambitious woman, skipping two grades and graduating high school at 16.
• She pursued nursing at Loma Linda University, then excelled at UCLA Medical Center.
• Rose quickly to become one of the youngest head nurses, known for both technical skill and compassion.

[08:12] Vanessa Richardson:

• Recounted incident: Sherri defused a violent confrontation with grace, convincing a grieving man to hand over a gun.
• By 1983, named Nurse of the Year at UCLA, and director of critical care at Glendale Adventist at 27.

2. Meeting John Rutten and the Creation of a Love Triangle

[09:10] Vanessa Richardson & Carter Roy:

• Sherri’s romantic life was on hold for years, but in 1984 she met John Rutten through a friend.
• Their relationship moved quickly, culminating in an engagement about a year after meeting.
• John bought Sherri a BMW as an engagement gift—practicality vs. sentiment marked their differences.

[10:53] Vanessa Richardson:

• Stephanie Lazarus emerges as John’s long-term on-and-off “friend with benefits.”
• Stephanie believed she and John were soulmates, refusing to let go even as he moved on with Sherri.

3. Stephanie Lazarus: The Persistent Ex

[12:42] Carter Roy:

• Stephanie joined the LAPD, bringing determination and assertiveness.
• Kept up a sexual relationship with John until he grew serious with Sherri, though Stephanie never got closure.

[13:46] Vanessa Richardson & Carter Roy:

• Stephanie was devastated upon learning of John’s engagement.
• Diary quote: “I found out that John is getting married. I was very depressed. This is very bad.” – Stephanie Lazarus [14:07]
• Rather than moving on, Stephanie decided to fight for John and began harassing the couple.

4. Escalation: Obsession Turns to Harassment

[17:15] Carter Roy & Vanessa Richardson:

• Stephanie called John for a tearful final plea, which led to one last night together—unknown to Sherri until Stephanie confronted her.

[19:58] Vanessa Richardson:

• Stephanie visited Sherri at work, telling her: “If I can’t have him, no one else can.”
• Sherri was shaken, and John eventually confessed to the clandestine meeting.
• Stephanie’s obsession extended to writing a two-page love letter to John’s mother.

5. Troubling Aftermath and Warnings

[21:14] Carter Roy & Vanessa Richardson:

• Sherri doubted her marriage but ultimately wed John in November 1985.
• The couple struggled with financial disagreements and emotional tension.

[29:51] Carter Roy & Vanessa Richardson:

• Stephanie continued appearing at their home, sometimes in her police uniform and sometimes inside without warning or invitation.
• Stalking and intimidation included following Sherri, appearing at her gym, and watching the couple at restaurants.

[32:32] Vanessa Richardson:

• Sherri confided in her father: “Something major is going on... I’ll call you if I can’t solve it in two weeks.”
• This was the last time her parents saw her alive.

6. The Morning of the Murder

[33:13] Carter Roy & Vanessa Richardson:

• February 24, 1986: Sherri felt ill and stayed home from work.
• John went to work, leaving the alarm off as per their routine.

[34:21] Vanessa Richardson:

• Odd events: Sherri’s garage door left open, her car missing, and her answering machine off.
• Neighbors found her purse discarded nearby and attempted to return it.

[36:14] Vanessa Richardson & Carter Roy:

• John returns home to open garage, glass in the driveway, and the door ajar.
• He finds Sherri’s body:** “Her face was covered in bruises. Blood smeared her forehead and sealed her right eye shut. Her left eye stared back at him, wide open and glassy.”** – Carter Roy [37:02]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On trust in relationships:
  “Everyone has a past, and ultimately choosing to love someone means taking a leap of faith. There’s no way of knowing every single one of your partner’s secrets.” – Vanessa Richardson [01:57]

• On Stephanie’s determination:
  “Stephanie Lazarus wasn’t the type of woman to back down so easily. She decided to fight for John to get him back by any means necessary, even if that meant playing dirty.” – Carter Roy [14:07]

• Sherri’s warning to her father:
  “She said she was going to call him if she couldn’t solve it in the next two weeks... something major was going on.” – Vanessa Richardson [32:32]

• John’s rationalization:
  “He thought Stephanie was itching for an argument and said making a big deal out of her visit would give her exactly the kind of reaction she was hoping for.” – Vanessa Richardson [23:39]

• Crime scene discovery:
  “That’s when he saw Sherry sprawled on her back in the middle of the living room... blood smeared her forehead and sealed her right eye shut. Her left eye stared back at him, wide open and glassy.” – Carter Roy [37:02]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Sherri’s early life and achievements: [05:52 - 09:10]
• Meeting John, early romance: [09:10 - 10:53]
• Stephanie's background and persistence: [10:53 - 14:07]
• Escalation of harassment: [17:15 - 21:14]
• Marriage, financial/marital tensions: [24:48 - 26:06]
• Stalking incidents escalate: [29:51 - 32:32]
• Final conversation with her father: [32:32 - 33:13]
• Day of the murder, discovery of body: [33:13 - 37:02]

Tone and Storytelling

This episode is empathetic and suspenseful, interweaving narrative and direct quotes with analysis. The hosts highlight the witnesses' emotions and Sherri’s growing dread, underscoring both her accomplishments and vulnerability. There’s a strong focus on how warning signs were ignored or dismissed, foreshadowing the tragic conclusion.

Next Episode Teaser

The episode ends with Carter Roy promising a deeper look at the murder investigation, missteps made by law enforcement, and how Sherri’s case remained controversial decades later.

End of Summary