Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Richard Ramirez

Public opinion and media debates around Richard Ramirez—discover key moments of controversy.

Richard Ramirez, known as the "Night Stalker," was an American serial killer and sex offender who terrorized Greater Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area from April 1984 to August 1985. He murdered at least fourteen people during home invasions, often committed during the day. Ramirez was convicted in 1989 and sentenced to death. He died in 2013 while awaiting execution.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Controversies & Scandals

1974: Ramirez began using LSD

In 1974, shortly after turning 14, Richard Ramirez began frequently using LSD and cultivated an interest in Satanism and the occult.

1982: Ramirez Moves to California

In 1982, at age 22, Richard Ramirez moved to and settled permanently in California and began to use cocaine, leading to theft and burglaries.

April 10, 1984: Murder of Mei Leung

On April 10, 1984, Richard Ramirez murdered Mei Leung, a nine-year-old girl, in San Francisco. He beat, strangled, raped, and stabbed her to death.

April 1984: Start of Ramirez's Murder Spree

In April 1984, Richard Ramirez began his murder spree in Greater Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area.

April 1984: First Known Murder

In April 1984, Richard Ramirez committed his first known murder, which was not initially connected to him until 2009. He used various weapons and methods to terrorize his victims.

June 28, 1984: Murder of Jennie Vincow

On June 28, 1984, 79-year-old Jennie Vincow was found murdered in her apartment in Los Angeles. Richard Ramirez's fingerprint was found at the scene.

February 20, 1985: San Francisco Double Murder

On February 20, 1985, Christina and Mary Caldwell were found stabbed to death in their San Francisco apartment. Richard Ramirez is a suspect in the double murder.

March 17, 1985: Attacks in Rosemead and Monterey Park

On March 17, 1985, Richard Ramirez attacked Maria Hernandez and Dayle Yoshie Okazaki in Rosemead, and Tsai-Lian "Veronica" Yu in Monterey Park, resulting in two murders and one attempted murder, leading to media coverage and the "Walk-In Killer" moniker.

March 27, 1985: Murders of Vincent and Maxine Zazzara

On March 27, 1985, Richard Ramirez murdered Vincent and Maxine Zazzara in their home. He mutilated Maxine's body and left footprints from a pair of Avia sneakers, which helped link him to the crimes.

May 14, 1985: Attack on Bill and Lillian Doi

On May 14, 1985, Richard Ramirez attacked Bill and Lillian Doi in Monterey Park, shooting Bill and raping Lillian after ransacking their home. Bill later died of his injuries.

June 27, 1985: Murder of Patty Elaine Higgins

On June 27, 1985, 32-year-old Patty Elaine Higgins was murdered in her Arcadia home. Ramirez was charged with murder and burglary, but the charges were later dropped.

July 2, 1985: Murder of Mary Louise Cannon

On the night of July 2, 1985, Richard Ramirez murdered Mary Louise Cannon in her Arcadia home. He bludgeoned her with a lamp and stabbed her to death.

August 6, 1985: Attack on Chris and Virginia Peterson

On August 6, 1985, Richard Ramirez broke into the home of Chris and Virginia Peterson in Northridge and shot them. Both survived the attack.

August 1985: End of Ramirez's Murder Spree

In August 1985, Richard Ramirez's murder spree came to an end after terrorizing the Los Angeles and San Francisco areas.

August 24, 1985: Incident at the Romero Residence

On August 24, 1985, Richard Ramirez arrived at the home of James Romero Jr. in Mission Viejo. He was spotted by Romero's son, James Romero III, who provided details about Ramirez's car to the police.

July 22, 1988: Jury selection and court appearance

On July 22, 1988, jury selection for Richard Ramirez's trial began. During his first court appearance, he raised a hand with a pentagram drawn on it and yelled, "Hail Satan!".

August 3, 1988: Ramirez plans to shoot prosecutor

On August 3, 1988, the Los Angeles Times reported that jail employees overheard Ramirez planning to shoot the prosecutor with a gun, which he intended to have smuggled into the courtroom, resulting in heightened security measures.