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Richard Ramirez: the Night Stalker and Satanic Panic in LA

In 1985 the Los Angeles area was terrified by Richard Ramirez. His reign of terror didn’t guarantee the safety of anyone; men, women, and children were all is victims.

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Richard Ramirez

In a time when serial killers were becoming household names, Richard Ramirez turned everything we knew about this breed of killer on its head.  He was a mix of a serial killer, mass murderer, spree killer, and home intruder all wrapped up into one vicious and unpredictable killer. Netflix is currently streaming the documentary Night Stalker which chronicles Ramirez’s crimes up until his capture and death.

Richard Ramirez — also known as The Night Stalker — terrified Los Angeles during the first half of 1985.

Richard Ramirez

Ramirez went against everything the criminal justice system knew about serial killers at the time. Unlike Bundy, Ramirez preyed on many different types of victims. Unlike most serial killers, Ramirez did not have one perfect type of victim. He raped women of all ages, sexually molested children of both genders, and killed men.

Ramirez also did not have a weapon of choice. The Night Stalker used guns, kitchen knives from the victims’ homes, and even a machete. He was also an opportunist when it came to finding items used to bludgeon his victims.

Ramirez would commonly steal jewelry and valuables after assaulting or killing the homeowner. He would then brazenly help himself to their refrigerator.

 

Finding an Identity Among the Media

The only common thread among Ramirez’s crimes was that he broke into these homes while the residents were asleep. This consistent trait lead to many different nicknames from the media: “The Walk-In Killer,” “The Valley Intruder,” and finally “The Night Stalker.”

Not having a signature M.O. to link the crimes together, it took a while before the LAPD realized all of these crimes were being committed by the same individual.

Once the LAPD knew they were looking for the same man, another problem arose: notoriety. LA is a patchwork of different counties and departments; since not all of the crimes took place in the same jurisdiction, it almost became a competition to see who was going to catch the notorious Night Stalker.

Ramirez was coming off of the heels of the recent capture of The Hillside Strangers — Kenneth Bianchi and Angelo Buono — in 1978. Once captured, it became known that Ramirez idolized Bianchi. Since the arrest of the Hillside Strangers, police were becoming more familiar with the rare breed of killer — and the fame that accompanied it.

 

Lack of Communication Among the Police

Once the boys in blue knew they were looking for a serial killer, they each wanted to be the department to bring him to justice. This machismo made the police reluctant to share information with other departments, which only made the capture of Ramirez more difficult and drawn out.

While the different precincts didn’t necessarily want to cooperate with others, Ramirez’s capture inevitably came down to good police work. Ramirez had two pieces of evidence that worked strongly against him.

First, Ramirez wore a rare and signature sneaker that was found at many crime scenes: Avia.  The second piece of evidence was a single fingerprint lifted from a car that the Night Stalker had stolen. With that particular fingerprint, the LAPD finally had an ID after matching it to his previous rap sheet.

 

Finally The Night Stalker is Identified 

The morning of August 31, 1985, Richard Ramirez discovered that he was the headline of every major newspaper in the city. His mug shot stared back at him at every newsstand and convenience store. It was the beginning of the end for Ramirez.

Ramirez tried to board a bus leaving the LA area, but realized that at least one fellow rider on the bus recognized him. Abandoning the bus, Ramirez had no hopes of blending into the crowd. Everywhere he ran, citizens would shout and point ‘El Matador’ — meaning ‘The Killer’ — as they recognized the Night Stalker fleeing through their neighborhoods.  He cut through backyards and jumped fences, but he could not escape the angry mob.

After a failed carjacking, Ramirez was hit over the head with a metal pipe by a citizen. A crowd soon formed and collectively began to beat the man that once terrorized their city. If it wasn’t for a patrol car arriving at the scene, the outraged citizens of Los Angeles may have very well beaten the Night Stalker to death.

The residents of Los Angeles were finally able to take back the power the Night Stalker had taken away from them.

 

Ramirez revealed to be a creature all his own.

Once in custody, Ramirez brandished a crudely drawn pentagram on his left hand for the cameras. He did not keep his belief and worship of Satan a secret.

Through testimony from surviving victims, it was revealed that Ramirez would tell his victims to “swear to Satan,” and even demanded they devote their love to Satan.  Ramirez often spoke of Satan, good and evil, and his place amongst all of it.

One of his most chilling quotes in court was;

“I do not need to hear all of society’s rationalizations. I’ve heard them all before and the fact remains that was is, is.  You don’t understand me. You are not expected to. You are not capable. I am beyond your experience. I am beyond good and evil.” 

Ramirez also capitalized off of the female groupies who flocked to his trial to get a look at the dangerous killer.  Many swooned at his sight and copied his pentagram onto their own skin.  As Ramirez waited for his trial date, he appeared to cater to a rock star appearance, which made his fans go into a frenzy.

Once in prison, Ramirez had many female admirers who wrote him constantly, and he even married one of them.

Richard Ramirez

The take away from this wretched man is the fact that not all men who kill are part of a specific formula. While there may be similarities in the form of a difficult or even abusive childhood, how they channel their anger will vastly vary between each individual. With his lack of a consistent M.O., and his unpredictable, erratic behavior, Richard Ramirez is a prime example of this.

For more true crime, check out “His Name Was Ted Bundy“.

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HBO’s “The Jinx – Part Two” Unveils Unseen Footage and Insights Into Robert Durst Case [Trailer]

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HBO, in collaboration with Max, has just released the trailer for “The Jinx – Part Two,” marking the return of the network’s exploration into the enigmatic and controversial figure, Robert Durst. This six-episode docuseries is set to premiere on Sunday, April 21, at 10 p.m. ET/PT, promising to unveil new information and hidden materials that have emerged in the eight years following Durst’s high-profile arrest.

The Jinx Part Two – Official Trailer

“The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst,” the original series directed by Andrew Jarecki, captivated audiences in 2015 with its deep dive into the life of the real estate heir and the dark cloud of suspicion surrounding him in connection with several murders. The series concluded with a dramatic turn of events as Durst was apprehended for the murder of Susan Berman in Los Angeles, just hours before the final episode was broadcast.

The forthcoming series, “The Jinx – Part Two,” aims to delve deeper into the investigation and trial that unfolded in the years after Durst’s arrest. It will feature never-before-seen interviews with Durst’s associates, recorded phone calls, and interrogation footage, offering an unprecedented look into the case.

Charles Bagli, a journalist for the New York Times, shared in the trailer, “As ‘The Jinx’ aired, Bob and I spoke after every episode. He was very nervous, and I thought to myself, ‘He’s gonna run.’” This sentiment was mirrored by District Attorney John Lewin, who added, “Bob was gonna flee the country, never to return.” However, Durst did not flee, and his arrest marked a significant turning point in the case.

The series promises to showcase the depth of Durst’s expectation for loyalty from his friends while he was behind bars, despite facing serious charges. A snippet from a phone call where Durst advises, “But you don’t tell them s–t,” hints at the complex relationships and dynamics at play.

Andrew Jarecki, reflecting on the nature of Durst’s alleged crimes, stated, “You don’t kill three people over 30 years and get away with it in a vacuum.” This commentary suggests the series will explore not only the crimes themselves but the broader network of influence and complicity that may have enabled Durst’s actions.

Contributors to the series include a wide range of figures involved in the case, such as Deputy District Attorneys of Los Angeles Habib Balian, defense attorneys Dick DeGuerin and David Chesnoff, and journalists who have covered the story extensively. The inclusion of judges Susan Criss and Mark Windham, as well as jury members and friends and associates of both Durst and his victims, promises a comprehensive perspective on the proceedings.

Robert Durst himself has commented on the attention the case and the documentary have garnered, stating he is “getting his own 15 minutes [of fame], and it is gargantuan.”

“The Jinx – Part Two” is anticipated to offer an insightful continuation of Robert Durst’s story, revealing new facets of the investigation and trial that have not been seen before. It stands as a testament to the ongoing intrigue and complexity surrounding Durst’s life and the legal battles that followed his arrest.

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Trailers

Hulu Unveils Riveting Trailer for True Crime Series “Under the Bridge”

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Under the Bridge

Hulu has just released a gripping trailer for its latest true crime series, “Under the Bridge,” drawing viewers into a haunting narrative that promises to explore the dark corners of a real-life tragedy. The series, which premieres on April 17th with the first two of its eight episodes, is based on the best-selling book by the late Rebecca Godfrey, providing a detailed account of the 1997 murder of fourteen-year-old Reena Virk near Victoria, British Columbia.

Riley Keough (left) and Lily Gladstone in “Under the Bridge”. 

Starring Riley Keough, Lily Gladstone, and Vritika Gupta, “Under the Bridge” brings to life the chilling story of Virk, who disappeared after attending a party with friends, never to return home. Through the investigative lens of author Rebecca Godfrey, played by Keough, and a dedicated local police officer portrayed by Gladstone, the series delves into the hidden lives of the young girls accused of Virk’s murder, uncovering shocking revelations about the true perpetrator behind this heinous act. The trailer offers a first look at the series’ atmospheric tension, showcasing the exceptional performances of its cast. Watch the trailer below:

Under the Bridge Official Trailer

Rebecca Godfrey, who passed away in October 2022, is credited as an executive producer, having worked closely with Shephard for over two years to bring this complex story to television. Their partnership aimed to honor Virk’s memory by casting a light on the circumstances that led to her untimely death, offering insight into the societal and personal dynamics at play.

“Under the Bridge” looks to stand out as a compelling addition to the true crime genre with this gripping story. As Hulu prepares to release the series, audiences are invited to brace themselves for a deeply moving and thought-provoking journey into one of Canada’s most notorious crimes.

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True Crime

Real-Life Horror in Pennsylvania: ‘Scream’ Costume-Clad Killer Strikes in Lehighton

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In a horrifying echo of the chilling killers depicted in the ‘Scream’ movie series, a Pennsylvania community was rocked by a gruesome murder. The assailant, donning the franchise’s iconic mask and cloak, wielded a black Reapr fixed-blade knife. Zak Russel Moyer, 30, carried out a nightmarish attack on his neighbor, Edward Whitehead Jr., in the small Carbon County town of Lehighton. Moyer’s assault was particularly brutal, employing not only a knife but also a small chainsaw, ultimately resulting in Whitehead’s death.

Zak Russel Moyer

Armed with a small battery-powered chainsaw and a black Reapr fixed-blade knife, Moyer had initially gone to Whitehead’s house next-door ‘for the purpose of scaring him’. However, the situation escalated fatally when he inflicted a stab wound to Whitehead’s head. The incident prompted an immediate response from local law enforcement, aided by Pennsylvania State Police, following a distress call about an active assault in progress within the 200 block of Carbon Street.

Surveillance footage captured a male figure, later identified as Moyer, emerging from the rear of Whitehead’s home. The figure’s attire was notably consistent with the “Scream” movie character, adding a surreal layer to the already grim event. Whitehead was swiftly transported to St. Luke’s Hospital-Carbon Campus but was pronounced dead, having suffered multiple wounds including a significant head injury and cuts indicative of a desperate defense.

Location of attack

In the aftermath, police quickly zeroed in on Moyer, found in a residence nearby. His apprehension followed bizarre communications with the police, where he levied accusations against Whitehead. Previous statements to his sister revealed Moyer’s harbored intentions to kill Whitehead, shedding light on a premeditated malice.

As the community grapples with this real-life horror, authorities have secured the weapons and the “Scream” costume, underscoring the chilling premeditation of Moyer’s actions. He now faces homicide charges, with a preliminary hearing set to determine the progression of his trial.

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