From: jcs
The murder of Sherri Rasmussen and the subsequent conviction of Stephanie Lazarus had a profound and far-reaching impact on those involved.
Verdict and Sentencing
On the afternoon of the verdict, the jury announced their decision shortly before noon, finding the defendant Stephanie Eileen Lazarus guilty of the murder of Sherri Rasmussen [00:22:33]. The murder was further found to be of the first degree [00:23:02]. Stephanie Lazarus was sentenced to 27 years to life for the murder of Sherri Rasmussen [00:24:45]. She is currently incarcerated in the maximum security unit of the Central California Women’s Facility [00:24:50].
John Ruetten’s Statement
John Ruetten, Sherri Rasmussen’s husband, spoke at the hearing, expressing the profound loss experienced [00:23:16]. He stated that there are “really no words that can describe the loss of sherry” [00:23:16]. The experience thrust the Rasmussen family, his family, and Stephanie’s family into “a bizarre world of disbelief and indescribable sadness” [00:23:28]. This clearly illustrates the family reaction to the verdict.
Ruetten reflected on Sherri’s character, noting her “profound impact on so many people” [00:23:37]. He expressed pride that she agreed to be his wife and vividly recalled the first moment he saw her, describing her physical presence as “startling” [00:23:45]. He added that his heart still races when he looks at pictures of her [00:24:00]. Beyond her appearance, Sherri was “extraordinary” for her character, being a “hard worker, a consummate professional, a leader, a diplomat, forgiving, tough and a kid at heart” [00:24:03]. The realization that Sherri’s death occurred because she met and married him “brings him to his knees” [00:24:40].
Broader Impact
The loss of Sherri, the manner of her death, and the trial held 25 years after her passing, had a “profound impact on many many others” [00:24:16]. The effects were broad, spanning a generation and creating pain for those whose lives “should have never been touched by this tragic event” [00:24:25]. Ruetten emphasized that words are “feeble tools” for describing these impacts, highlighting “so many moments and so very many tears” [00:24:32].