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23 Years Ago, Police Ignored Suspect Arrested Last Week
Today, LAPD detective Stephanie Lazarus was arraigned in court for the murder of Sherri Rae Rasmussen in 1986. Then the victim's father (pictured right) also held a press conference explaining that he told police time and time again that he thought she was one of the probable suspects. But detectives at that time had a different theory--burglars--and ignored him "repeatedly [saying] that he was watching too much TV," according to the LA Times. Looks like father was right, DNA caught up with Lazarus last week and she was arrested. "In hindsight, 20/20, we wish the investigation had gone in other directions," Deputy Chief Charlie Beck told the Times. "There will be justice in this case, but it might not come at all levels."
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You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
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