Here’s a summary of the chilling stories involving notorious police officers who committed serious crimes:
- William Tally: Former police sergeant William Tally became infamous for shooting his girlfriend, Cali Levenson, during a violent argument on May 11, 2019. Fleeing the scene in her truck, he was later involved in a car accident, hospitalized, and then arrested. His background in police and SWAT training did not prevent his eventual arrest and conviction, demonstrating that no one is above the law.
- Matthew Boon: On April 15, 2016, Matthew Boon’s wife, Jessica, was found unconscious with a serious head injury, initially mistaken for a gunshot wound due to the presence of a police-issued gun. The investigation was compromised by Matthew’s familial connections within the police, as his grandfather, the county sheriff, initially declared Jessica dead at the scene. Matthew was only charged with theft and lying under oath, highlighting potential corruption and the lack of a thorough investigation.
- Stephanie Lazarus: A respected detective, Stephanie Lazarus hid her involvement in the 1986 murder of Sherri Rasmusen, who was found shot in her home. The case went cold until DNA evidence decades later revealed Stephanie’s guilt. She was arrested, convicted, and sentenced to 27 years in prison, underscoring the importance of technological advancements in solving crimes and the accountability of law enforcement officers.
- Drew Peterson: Drew Peterson, a former police officer, was implicated in the death of his third wife, Kathleen Savio, found in her bathtub in 2004 with signs of a struggle, and the disappearance of his fourth wife, Stacy, in 2007. He was convicted of Kathleen’s murder in 2012 and later charged with solicitation of murder for hire against the prosecutor who convicted him. Stacy’s disappearance remains unresolved, adding a layer of mystery and ongoing suspicion around Peterson.
Each case demonstrates the severe consequences of abuse of power within the police force, the importance of impartial investigations, and the eventual reach of justice regardless of the individual’s position or connections.