Former Detective Convicted of Murder Learns Her Fate

FrontPageDetectives.com has learned that Stephanie Lazarus, a former detective with the Los Angeles Police Department, murdered Sherri Rasmussen and has been denied parole, overturning a previous ruling that found her eligible for release.

The decision came after a 90-minute hearing with the California Parole Board. Lazarus will face another parole hearing in 18 months.

Rasmussen’s family expressed satisfaction with the outcome. Lazarus was sentenced to 27 years to life after a jury found her guilty of first-degree murder.

The family noted Lazarus’ lack of remorse for the murder, which occurred in 1986.

“Lazarus had her parole time up front, evading arrest for 23 years after the murder,” attorney John Taylor said.

“She has expressed no remorse for the cold-blooded execution of Sherri Rasmussen committed while she was an LAPD officer,” Taylor added.

Lazarus had evaded arrest for 23 years until DNA evidence linked her to the crime, leading to her conviction in 2012.

The board initially granted her parole based on her age at the time of the offense and a lack of perceived risk, but that ruling faced scrutiny, leading to the reversal.

“It’s unfair to the family that she should now go free and enjoy her life while receiving her LAPD pension,” Taylor concluded.