Stephanie Lazarus was once a well-respected detective in the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). However, her life took a dark and unexpected turn when she was convicted of the brutal murder of her ex-boyfriend’s wife. This case, which remained unsolved for decades, shocked the nation and raised questions about how the justice system handles crimes involving law enforcement officers.
One question that often arises about Lazarus is: Is Stephanie Lazarus still married? This article explores her life, the infamous crime, her marriage, and where she is today.
Stephanie Lazarus: A Promising Career Turned Dark
Stephanie Lazarus joined the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) in 1983 and quickly gained recognition as a skilled officer. She worked as a patrol officer before becoming a detective specializing in art theft. Her colleagues considered her a dedicated and hardworking professional.
However, beneath her successful career, Lazarus had a complicated personal life. During her college years at UCLA, she was in a romantic relationship with John Ruetten. Their relationship lasted several years before Ruetten eventually moved on and married Sherri Rasmussen, a successful nurse.
Lazarus reportedly struggled to accept the relationship’s end, leading to a tragic turn of events.
Stephanie Lazarus’ Husband: Who Was She Married To?
Stephanie Lazarus married Scott Young, a fellow LAPD officer, in 1989—three years after Sherri Rasmussen’s murder. Despite the allegations and eventual trial, Scott Young stood by Lazarus.
Is Stephanie Lazarus Still Married?
No. Stephanie Lazarus and Scott Young eventually divorced, though the exact date of their separation remains unknown. Details about her personal life and marriage have largely remained private, but it is confirmed that she is no longer married.
The Murder of Sherri Rasmussen
On February 24, 1986, Sherri Rasmussen was found dead in her Van Nuys condominium. She had been severely beaten and shot multiple times. The crime was initially believed to be a botched burglary, and the case went cold for over two decades.
It wasn’t until 2009 that DNA evidence linked Stephanie Lazarus to the crime, leading to her arrest and eventual conviction.
Where Is Stephanie Lazarus Now?
Stephanie Lazarus was arrested on June 5, 2009, and charged with first-degree murder. After a high-profile trial, she was convicted on March 8, 2012, and sentenced to 27 years to life in prison.
Current Status
As of 2025, Stephanie Lazarus is incarcerated at the California Institution for Women in Corona, California.
| Name | Birthdate | Marital Status | Spouse | Occupation | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stephanie Lazarus | December 20, 1957 | Divorced | Scott Young | LAPD Detective | Incarcerated |
| Sherri Rasmussen | February 7, 1957 | Married | John Ruetten | Nurse | Deceased |
| John Ruetten | N/A | Married (at the time) | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Why Did Stephanie Lazarus Kill Sherri Rasmussen?
Prosecutors argued that jealousy and revenge were the primary motives behind the murder. Evidence presented in court revealed that Lazarus had previously confronted Rasmussen about her relationship with Ruetten.
The prosecution suggested that Lazarus, unable to accept Ruetten’s marriage, killed Rasmussen in a fit of rage.
The defense attempted to argue that the DNA evidence was contaminated, but the jury ultimately found Lazarus guilty.
Stephanie Lazarus in 2025: Any Updates or Appeals?
Stephanie Lazarus has consistently maintained her innocence and has filed multiple appeals over the years.
- In 2023, she was granted parole, but California Governor Gavin Newsom reversed the decision in June 2023.
- As of 2025, it is uncertain whether she will pursue further legal action.
Timeline of Key Events
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Murder of Sherri Rasmussen | February 24, 1986 |
| Case Goes Cold | 1986 – 2009 |
| Stephanie Lazarus Arrested | June 5, 2009 |
| Conviction | March 8, 2012 |
| Sentencing | May 4, 2012 |
| Parole Granted | January 2023 |
| Parole Reversed | June 2023 |
The Lasting Impact of the Stephanie Lazarus Case
The Stephanie Lazarus case remains one of the most shocking examples of a police officer turned criminal. It raised concerns about how law enforcement handles investigations involving their own officers and why the case remained unsolved for decades.
The media coverage surrounding the trial further intensified the debate about bias within police departments when investigating their colleagues.
Conclusion
Stephanie Lazarus, once a decorated detective, saw her life unravel when DNA evidence linked her to the 1986 murder of Sherri Rasmussen.
While she was married to Scott Young for a period, they eventually divorced, and she remains incarcerated in California.
The case serves as a chilling reminder that even those in positions of power and trust can be capable of heinous crimes.
FAQs
How old is Stephanie Lazarus now?
Stephanie Lazarus was born on December 20, 1957, making her 67 years old as of 2025.
Who is Stephanie Lazarus married to?
Stephanie Lazarus is currently not married. She was previously married to Scott Young, but they are now divorced.
What happened to Stephanie Lazarus’ husband?
Stephanie Lazarus’ ex-husband, Scott Young, divorced her after her conviction. No public information is available about his life after the divorce.
Why did Stephanie Lazarus kill Sherri Rasmussen?
The prosecution argued that jealousy and rage led Lazarus to murder Rasmussen because she had married John Ruetten, Lazarus’ former boyfriend.
How was Stephanie Lazarus caught?
Lazarus was caught in 2009 when DNA evidence from a bite mark on Rasmussen’s arm was matched to her.
