'Robbery Gone Wrong' Turns Out To Be A Much Different Crime
No one truly expected the murder of Sherri Rasmussen to be solved. Detectives had just a few tools at their disposal: witness testimonies and some honed crime scene observations. This was the 1980s, after all, a time without face recognition technology, fingerprints databases, and DNA testing.
But technology changed, and decades later, investigators approached the long-frozen murder case with modern tools. With tech previously thought to be impossible, experts noticed one key clue they'd missed so many decades earlier. Suddenly, justice for Sherri was back on the table.
Innocent Beginnings
Sherri Rasmussen started college at age 16. With a bright mind and tireless work ethic, she became director of nursing at the Glendale Adventist Medical Center near her California apartment. Life was good — then she met John Ruetten.
Love At First Sight
John was a handsome and successful guy, and Sherri was immediately enamored with him. They started dating and, soon after, walked down the aisle together. Not long after their wedding, though, the honeymoon phase came to an abrupt end.
Initial Signs Of Trouble
It was February 24th, 1986. The newlyweds had celebrated Valentine’s Day only weeks before. Returning from work, John couldn’t wait to see his blushing bride. However when he entered the garage he was met with a puzzling sight: Sherri’s BMW was missing.
A Shocking Discovery
Continuing into the living room, he turned the corner. A horrifying scene awaited him. Furniture was everywhere, a clear sign of a struggle. Someone had attempted to push the panic button unsuccessfully. Then he saw it: Sherri's body.