Luis Patino, a spokesman for the California Board of Prison Terms, said Lazarus would be eligible for parole consideration after serving 16 years and 8 months. Her defense team immediately announced there would be an appeal. Lazarus, who smiled at her family as she was led into the courtroom, could face 27 years to life in prison with the possibility of parole when she is sentenced on May 4 for the murder and a gun enhancement imposed by the jury.
Stephanie lazarus husband trial#
I have very strong feelings about how the trial played out. "It's been a difficult thing for our whole family. "I'm just devastated," said Steven Lazarus, her brother. "The family is relieved that this 26-year nightmare has concluded with the positive identification of the person who killed their daughter," said John Taylor, an attorney for the Rasmussen family. The family of Rasmussen cried softly after the verdict was delivered in the courtroom ringed by 10 sheriff's deputies. Ito, whose court is down the hall from that of Superior Court Judge Robert Perry, had occasionally stopped in to listen to DNA testimony during the Lazarus trial. The idea that saliva from a bite mark could be her undoing was inconceivable in 1986 when DNA had not yet entered the justice system as a forensic tool.Īmong those present at the verdict was Superior Court Judge Lance Ito, who presided over the first famous DNA case in the building - the O.J. Prosecutors Shannon Presby and Paul Nunez suggested during the trial that Lazarus, a trained police officer, knew to avoid leaving other evidence such as fingerprints and may have worn gloves. He also suggested there might have been evidence tampering. Her defense attorney countered that the DNA was packaged improperly and deteriorated while stored in a coroner's freezer for two decades. The conviction came after a three-week trial that included testimony from a forensic expert who said the DNA found in the bite mark was a match to Lazarus. The police officer's union issued a statement saying it hoped the case would not tarnish the reputation of thousands of dedicated police officers. "Had it not been for DNA the case might never have been solved," he said.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Steve Cooley was in court for the verdict and said later the case demonstrated the importance of DNA as an investigative tool. "The LAPD family felt a sense of betrayal to have an officer commit such a terrible crime." "This case was a tragedy on every level," he added. I am also sorry it took us so long to solve this case and bring a measure of justice to this tragedy," he said in a written statement. "I am truly sorry for the loss of your wife, of your daughter.
0 kommentar(er)
