Richard Ramirez (born 1960) was an American serial killer, rapist, and burglar. In 1984–85 he murdered at least 13 people in California. Most of the deaths occurred in the Los Angeles area and took place during home invasions. Ramirez’s victims—some of whom survived—were often sexually assaulted and beaten, and Satanic symbols were found at many of the crime scenes. Dubbed the “Night Stalker,” he triggered widespread panic.
After a fingerprint led to his identification, his name and photo were released to the public. On August 31, 1985, he was recognized, and a chase ensued. As he tried to steal a car, he was surrounded by a crowd and beaten until police arrived. Ramirez, a self-described Satanist, was convicted of 13 murders and other crimes in 1989, receiving 19 death sentences. He died of cancer on death row in 2013 without ever expressing remorse.