‘The Night Stalker Tapes’ and What Really Happened to Richard Ramirez

Richard Ramirez: The Night Stalker Tapes is a two-episode docu-series on Peacock, which was released on December 10 and is sure to shock its viewers. While Netflix’s Night Stalker: The Hunt for a Serial Killer interviews investigators and those who were affected to paint a better picture of the crime scene and what happened there, this new Richard Ramirez documentary takes on a slightly different approach.

Instead of only looking at the gruesome murders in more detail, this true-crime documentary dives deeper into the past of the serial killer himself and explores the phenomenon of forming an attraction to killers. The series features chilling interviews with the Night Stalker, which are sure to leave viewers with goosebumps, but it also includes conversations with the murderer’s parents and his wife. This approach allows the series to unveil Ramirez’s daunting past. His life was filled with a severe drug addiction, which played a significant role in his disturbing crimes, and he also endured an unsettling childhood. Richard Ramirez: The Night Stalker Tapes ensures that these incidents are brought to light while refraining from diminishing the weight of his cruel actions.

Who Is the Night Stalker, Richard Ramirez?

Richard Ramirez, who was dubbed the “Night Stalker,” caused people in California to live in utter fear between 1984 and 1985. He is one of America’s most notorious serial killers, who unleashed his vile aggression and showed no remorse. Making Ramirez even more dangerous was the fact that he followed no pattern whatsoever. Gender, age, or race, he simply went for whoever he wanted, and at least 14 killings are connected to his name. On top of the murders, Richard Ramirez also sexually assaulted numerous victims, leaving them behind in an utterly cruel state. Whether it was guns, knives, or even his fists, the Night Stalker was always dedicated to leaving the most gruesome crime scene behind. It quickly became clear that he wanted to see his victims’ fear, making his mind all the more wicked.

In this shocking true-crime documentary, the serial killer reveals that his beliefs strongly influenced his actions. As a self-proclaimed Satanist, he used his belief as some sort of driving force, stating that he committed all these murders for his leader. In an interview during the series, Ramirez goes into even more detail, revealing his strong connection to Satan, making Richard Ramirez: The Night Stalker Tapes one of the most shocking true-crime documentaries. He explains that while he used to be a Christian, he changed his faith during his 20s when he met someone in California who triggered his interest in the dark spiritual force. His interest certainly grew into an intense obsession as he ties his murders and dark behavior to Satan, stating that his force gives him stability and meaning.

What Really Happened to the Night Stalker, Richard Ramirez?

Towards the end of the investigation, the identity of the serial killer was discovered. This massive break came due to fingerprints left by the killer on a stolen car, which were later matched to Ramirez’s criminal record for stealing a car before. On August 29, 1985, a mug shot of Ramirez was released in order to prevent the murderer from being able to hide.

Ironically enough, Ramirez wasn’t even aware of it since, at that time, he was with relatives in Arizona. When he returned to Los Angeles three days later, he was in for a rough awakening, as the face of the notorious serial killer was on every newspaper and television screen. When he picked up a newspaper at a bus stop, he immediately took off, attempting to steal two cars. However, the woman from whom he tried to get the keys recognized him right away, and the people in the area didn’t hesitate to jump in.

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It is safe to say that, upon his arrest, Richard Ramirez finally got to feel a fraction of the pain he caused to his victims, their loved ones, and people all around California living in fear. After a year of suffering, people stepped up as a community and caught the serial killer. Ramirez didn’t care about his victims or the pain he caused, so the mob didn’t shy away from inflicting pain on him either. Hitting him with a metal gate post in the head, the murderer tried to take off once again, but the crowd was chasing after him. Eventually, he was rounded up by the police, which was probably his luck, as there wasn’t just one person who wanted him dead.

Where Is Richard Ramirez Now?

After his arrest, Richard Ramirez was brought to Hollenbeck Police Station in Los Angeles but was later brought to the most notorious prison north of San Francisco, the San Quentin State Prison. Next to multiple other heinous crimes, the Night Stalker was convicted of 13 slayings and was charged with the death penalty. During his time on death row, which he spent alongside the infamous Menendez brothers, Ramirez was diagnosed with cancer, and in 2013, he died from it at the age of 53.

His time on death row might be upsetting to many, as it truly wasn’t as bad. He married a woman who came to his trial and was convinced of his innocence and spent the rest of his life with her. It’s painful to see that someone as vile as Richard Ramirez got to experience any form of joy while he took the lives of so many innocent people and ruined the lives of so many more. People lost their parents, their daughters, and their friends in a despicable way, and it was all done at the hands of Richard Ramirez. He never finished his time on death row the way the court intended him to, but all that remains of him now is his name. Richard Ramirez: The Night Stalker Tapes is available to stream on Peacock.