Ep 8. The Mark of Cain/Death on The Freeway

In season 1 episode 8 of Cold Case Files, titled "The Mark of Cain/Death on The Freeway," viewers are taken on a journey through two seemingly unrelated cases that ultimately reveal a shocking connection.

The first case, "The Mark of Cain," revolves around the brutal murder of a San Diego woman named Anne Gillette in 1988. Gillette was found beaten and strangled in her own home, and despite police efforts, the case went cold. That is, until a chance DNA match in 2000 led investigators to a suspect named Michael Lloyd Self.

Self, a career criminal with a history of violence and sexual assault, was eventually convicted of Gillette's murder. However, the case took a strange turn when a mysterious tattoo on Self's arm caught the attention of investigators. The tattoo, which depicted the biblical mark of Cain, raised questions about Self's motives and possible connections to a religious cult.

Throughout the episode, viewers are taken through the twists and turns of the investigation, including interviews with Self's ex-wife and former friends who shed light on his disturbing behavior and associations. The case ultimately leaves viewers questioning the depths of evil that can lurk within seemingly normal individuals.

The second case, "Death on The Freeway," is equally as chilling. In 1987, 28-year-old Sherri Rasmussen was found brutally beaten and shot to death in her Los Angeles home. At first, the case appeared to be a robbery gone wrong. However, it soon became clear that there was a more sinister motive at play.

Rasmussen, a young nurse, had recently married a man named John Ruetten, who also happened to be her supervisor at the hospital where they worked. As investigators delved deeper into the case, they uncovered evidence that suggested Ruetten's ex-girlfriend, Stephanie Lazarus, may have been involved in the murder.

Lazarus, a highly respected police officer and colleague of Ruetten's, had a history of jealousy and possessiveness towards him. Despite a lack of concrete evidence, investigators couldn't shake the feeling that she was somehow connected to the crime. It wasn't until years later, when DNA evidence surfaced that pointed directly to Lazarus, that the case was finally solved.

Throughout the episode, viewers are introduced to the key players and given insights into the complex relationships and motivations that drove the investigation forward. The case serves as a powerful reminder that even those who are meant to uphold the law can be capable of unspeakable acts of violence.

Overall, "The Mark of Cain/Death on The Freeway" is a gripping episode of Cold Case Files that showcases the dedication and persistence of investigators in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. It's a sobering reminder that justice isn't always swift, but it's always worth fighting for.