The Murder of Sherri Rasmussen

Background: In 1986, Sherri Rasmussen, a 29-year-old nurse, was found dead in her Los Angeles apartment. The initial investigation concluded that she was a victim of a botched burglary. The case went cold for over two decades until it was reopened in 2009, leading to a shocking discovery.

Digital Evidence: When the case was reopened, detectives decided to re-examine the evidence using modern forensic technology. One of the key pieces of evidence was the DNA found at the crime scene. Initially, it didn’t match any suspects, but advancements in DNA technology allowed the investigators to check it against a broader database.

The DNA was matched to Stephanie Lazarus, an LAPD detective who had been a colleague of Rasmussen's husband. Lazarus had dated him years before the murder, and the breakup had left her distraught. Despite being a law enforcement officer, she had managed to avoid suspicion for decades.

In addition to the DNA evidence, detectives uncovered Lazarus's old emails and online communications. These digital records revealed her obsessive behavior and resentment towards Rasmussen. Moreover, security footage from around the time of the murder, once dismissed as irrelevant, was re-analyzed to place Lazarus near the crime scene.

Outcome: Lazarus was arrested in 2009, and her trial began in 2012. The digital evidence, combined with the DNA match, was crucial in securing her conviction. She was found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to 27 years to life in prison.

This case is a chilling reminder of how digital evidence can bring justice, even decades after a crime has been committed. The way the detectives used modern technology to solve a cold case makes it both fascinating and terrifying.