Case

Richard Ramirez’s crime spree, which earned him the nickname “The Night Stalker,” occurred primarily between 1984 and 1985 in California. He targeted victims at night, often entering homes through unlocked doors or windows while residents slept. His crimes included burglary, sexual assault, torture, and murder. Ramirez frequently killed male victims first before assaulting female victims. His use of varied weapons, including firearms and knives, and the geographic spread of his crimes complicated early police investigations (UPI, 1989).

Victims of Richard Ramirez include:

• Jennie Vincow (79) – stabbed to death during a home burglary in Los Angeles, June 1984.
• Maria Hernandez (22) – shot but survived; provided an early description of Ramirez.
• Dayle Okazaki (34) – shot and killed during a burglary, March 17, 1985.
• Tsai-Lian Yu (30) – dragged from her car and shot, March 17, 1985.
• Vincent Zazzara (64) – shot to death during a home invasion, March 27, 1985.
• Maxine Zazzara (44) – beaten, stabbed, mutilated, and murdered during the same attack.
• William Doi (65) – shot and killed in his home, May 14, 1985.
• Mabel Bell (84) – shot during a home invasion and later died from her injuries.
• Florence Lang (~81) – severely beaten during the same attack and survived.
• Mary Louise Cannon (77) – throat slashed during a burglary, July 2, 1985.
• Joyce Lucille Nelson (61) – beaten to death during a burglary, July 7, 1985.
• Maxon Kneiding (68) – shot to death during a home burglary, July 20, 1985.
• Lela Kneiding (66) – shot to death during the same burglary.
• Chainarong Khovananth (~32) – shot and killed during a home invasion, July 20, 1985.
• Elyas Abowath (~35) – shot and killed during a home burglary, August 8, 1985.

Ramirez was captured on August 31, 1985, after citizens recognized him and restrained him until police arrived. In 1989, he was convicted of 13 murders, multiple sexual assaults, attempted murders, and burglaries (History.com, 2025; UPI, 1989).