For more than a year, Los Angeles was on edge as a serial killer roamed the streets, committing horrific acts until the community took action.
Richard Ramirez, also known as the Night Stalker, was responsible for the deaths of at least 15 people and committed numerous other violent crimes, including robbery and assault, from April 1984 to August 1985. His methods were alarming and random, as he chose victims seemingly without reason and used different weapons during his attacks, sometimes leaving survivors behind.
A documentary series titled Richard Ramirez: The Night Stalker Tapes, released on December 10, delves into the unsettling legacy of this notorious killer. The series includes chilling interviews with Ramirez, who passed away in 2013.
After a series of brutal murders, Ramirez eventually left enough evidence for authorities to identify him. On August 31, 1985, an alert citizen reported a man behaving suspiciously, leading to his capture. As he tried to escape by carjacking, a group of local residents confronted him, resulting in a violent scuffle. By the time police arrived, Ramirez had been significantly beaten.
“We all knew that if he got caught in East L.A., things wouldn’t go well for him,” said neighbor Eloise Cabral, reflecting on the anger in the community towards the killer.
So, what happened to the Night Stalker? Here’s the story of Richard Ramirez and the community that brought him to justice.
Who was the Night Stalker?
In the 1980s, a terrifying figure known as the Night Stalker struck fear throughout Los Angeles County. Identified as Richard Ramirez, he was a drifter from El Paso, Texas, with a troubled background marked by substance abuse and crime.
According to his obituary, Ramirez faced violence early in life. At just 12, he was exposed to horrific acts by his older cousin, who shared pictures of his war crimes in Vietnam. This cousin later went to prison for killing his own wife.
Relocating to L.A. at 15, Ramirez learned criminal skills from his brother. He was arrested several times for theft before his murder spree began.
Who were the Night Stalker’s victims?
Ramirez’s first confirmed murder occurred on April 10, 1984. His youngest victim was nine-year-old Mei “Linda” Leung, who was tragically found dead in her apartment building. Although not linked to Ramirez until years later, DNA evidence eventually connected him to her case.
Between June 1984 and August 1985, he murdered 14 individuals, including names like Vincow and Dayle Okazaki. Many of his attacks also included robbery and assault, and some survivors shared terrifying accounts of their experiences. Ramirez later claimed he was influenced by Satanism, saying it provided a reason for his dark actions.
How was the Night Stalker caught?
Witnesses and survivors played a crucial role in locating Ramirez. Police were able to track a stolen car he had been driving, which led to a fingerprint match. Eventually, following a public appeal, people began to recognize him.
When someone reported a suspicious man in East L.A. matching the Night Stalker’s description, Ramirez attempted to escape by car theft. However, the driver recognized him and alerted neighbors. A group of residents restrained him until the police arrived, and during this time, he was beaten by the mob.
Jaime Burgoin, one of the locals involved in his capture, described how they worked together to stop him.
What was the Night Stalker charged with?
On September 20, 1989, Ramirez faced serious charges, including 13 counts of murder, five counts of attempted murder, and numerous counts of sexual assault and burglary. He received 13 death sentences for his crimes.
Detective Frank Salerno, who worked on the case, remarked that Ramirez showed no remorse for his actions and embodied pure evil.
While on death row, Ramirez died from B-cell lymphoma in 2013 at the age of 53.
