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Crime & Justice • Serial Killer

Richard Ramirez

Richard Ramirez was an American serial killer, rapist, and burglar known as the "Night Stalker." He committed a series of home-invasion murders and other violent crimes in California in 1984 and 1985, was convicted in 1989, and died in prison in 2013.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Richard Ramirez was an American serial killer, rapist, and burglar known as the "Night Stalker." He committed a series of home-invasion murders and other violent crimes in California in 1984 and 1985, was convicted in 1989, and died in prison in 2013.

Early life

Richard Ramirez was born in El Paso, Texas, in 1960. Later biographical accounts describe him as an American who moved into California before his crimes.

Criminal activity

Ramirez carried out a series of burglaries, sexual assaults, and murders in California during 1984 and 1985. He was nicknamed the "Night Stalker" because he often attacked at night and entered homes.

Trial and conviction

Ramirez was arrested in 1985 and tried in California. He was convicted in 1989 of 13 murders and other charges, and he received a death sentence.

Death and legacy

Ramirez died in prison in 2013 while awaiting execution. He remains one of the most infamous serial killers in U.S. criminal history.

Key facts

  • Richard Ramirez was an American serial killer, rapist, and burglar known as the "Night Stalker."
  • His crime spree took place mainly in California from 1984 to 1985.
  • He was convicted in 1989 of 13 murders and other crimes and sentenced to death.
  • He died in prison in 2013 while awaiting execution.
  • His crimes affected multiple areas in Southern California, including the Los Angeles region.
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Canadian context

Richard Ramirez is primarily relevant to Canadian readers as a major North American criminal case that received extensive international media coverage and remains part of broader crime-history reference material.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Richard Ramirez?
Richard Ramirez was an American serial killer, rapist, and burglar best known as the "Night Stalker."
Why was he called the Night Stalker?
He was called the Night Stalker because many of his crimes involved nighttime home invasions.
How many people did he kill?
Sources state that he murdered at least 13 people, and some sources say at least 15.
When was he convicted?
He was convicted in 1989.
How did Richard Ramirez die?
He died in prison in 2013 while awaiting execution.
Where did his crimes take place?
His major crime spree took place in California, especially in the Los Angeles and surrounding areas.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Richard-Ramirez
    Supports: Birth, identity, crimes in California, conviction, and death
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Ramirez
    Supports: Nickname, crime spree dates, minimum victim count, conviction, and death
  3. BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-22820207
    Supports: Death in 2013 and death-row status
  4. CBS News — https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/richard-ramirez-night-stalker-murders/
    Supports: Nicknames, conviction details, and broad crime summary
  5. A&E — https://www.aetv.com/articles/richard-ramirez
    Supports: Crime spree overview, conviction counts, and nickname