Stephanie Lazarus, a former Los Angeles police detective who killed her romantic rival and concealed the murder for over two decades, will not be paroled. The decision to reverse her parole came after a hearing before three commissioners from the California Parole Board. The victim, Sherri Rasmussen’s family was pleased with the decision, as Lazarus had shown no remorse for the murder and had evaded arrest for 23 years. Rasmussen, a nurse, was killed in her apartment in 1986 by Lazarus, who at the time was an LAPD officer. DNA evidence linked Lazarus to the crime scene, and she was convicted of first-degree murder in 2012.
Lazarus was found suitable for parole last November, but the decision was challenged by Rasmussen’s family. They questioned why the board relied on the state’s youthful offender law, considering Lazarus was nearly 26 at the time of the killing and had been a police officer for two years. During the hearing, Lazarus said she didn’t intend to kill Rasmussen and went to her home to talk to her ex, who was not present at the time of the murder. She did not turn herself in because she was ashamed.
Governor Gavin Newsom stated that while Lazarus had a good disciplinary record in prison, she had not fully taken responsibility for the murder until she was caught. A separate panel found that the decision to release Lazarus deserved further scrutiny due to these conflicting factors. This decision has been welcomed by Rasmussen’s family, who believe that it is unfair for Lazarus to be released and enjoy her life while receiving her LAPD pension.
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