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Former Los Angeles police detective Stephanie Lazarus was convicted in 2012 for the 1986 murder of her ex-boyfriend's wife, Sherri Rasmussen. The cold case murder was solved through DNA after over 20 years.

Sentenced to 27 years to life in prison, she is eligible for early release due to a 2018 California law. The law aids offenders who were younger than 26 when their crimes were committed to get early release.  

Lazarus now 63 was a junior police officer and 25 when she killed Sherri.

After only a decade behind bars, the recent parole decision, and the family's vehement objections.

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1986 Cold Case Murder

Sherri Rasmussen, a nursing director, was murdered in her Southern California condo. She was described by her family as bright, loving, and kind.

She was shot three times in the chest with a .38 pistol. And hit in the head with a ceramic vase. The DNA was found on the left arm which had been bitten.

Initially, LAPD investigators attributed her death to a burglary gone wrong, but suspicions arose within the Rasmussen family. They were convinced that Lazarus, the ex-boyfriend's former lover, and a fellow law enforcement officer was the killer.

 It took until 2009 for the case to be reopened, leading to the groundbreaking revelation that DNA evidence linked Lazarus to the crime.

Stephanie Lazarus faced trial in 2012. She vehemently denied any involvement in Sherri's murder. 

The prosecution painted a picture of jealousy and revenge, alleging that Lazarus was driven to kill by the recent marriage of Sherri to her ex-boyfriend.

 Despite Lazarus' defense claiming corrupted DNA evidence, a jury convicted her of first-degree murder on March 8, 2012, after three days of deliberations.

Parole Decision and Family Outrage

Fast forward to November 16, 2023, to the parole hearing.

Lazarus, now 63 and serving a 27-year-to-life sentence. Lazarus publicly acknowledged her role in the 1986 killing for the first time. 

She never gave an apology to Sherri's family, which left them angry. She also appeared to downplay the severity of the crime, characterizing it as manslaughter rather than the first-degree murder for which she was convicted.

Connie Rasmussen, Sherri's older sister, expressed her shock and dissatisfaction with the parole panel's decision. She highlighted the injustice of releasing Lazarus, emphasizing the years the former detective spent lying and hiding evidence while working as a law enforcement officer. 

Jessica Pannell, Connie's daughter, echoed these sentiments and revealed Lazarus' explanation for not turning herself in earlier was the fear of getting caught.

The Parole Process

The decision from the parole panel is not final and is subject to review by the full board within 120 days. 

Additionally, the governor has 30 days to weigh in on finalized decisions. If approved, Lazarus would not be released before her minimum eligible parole date in July. 

The controversial 2018 law that was invoked during the parole hearing, claims that full maturity is not reached until the mid-to late-20s. 

Connie Rasmussen questions the applicability of this law in Lazarus' case. And says that her sister’s killer had completed police academy training, was approved to carry a firearm, and moved up in the ranks of the LAPD.

The cold case murder is the perfect storm. The complexities of the criminal justice system, the importance of DNA evidence, and the controversial nature of parole eligibility are all in play.