Richard Ramirez: The Night Stalker Tapes is a two-part true-crime documentary series premiering exclusively on Peacock on December 10, 2024.
Richard Ramirez is considered to be one of America’s most infamous serial killers. Richard Ramirez: The Night Stalker Tapes will have over 25 hours of rare audio recordings from his time on death row. These never-before-heard tapes are paired with interviews from those who knew him best, including his family, friends, and wife.
Doreen Lioy is a former magazine editor, and she became widely known for her controversial relationship with Richard Ramirez. She began writing to him shortly after his 1985 arrest, and after years of correspondence, they married in 1996 while he was on death row. Lioy was a devoted wife because she visited him frequently in prison and publicly defended his innocence.
But things took a dramatic turn in 2009 when DNA evidence confirmed Ramirez's involvement in the assault and murder of a 9-year-old girl. Lioy was disgusted by the revelation and reportedly distanced herself from him, but no formal divorce was ever documented.
Since Ramirez died in 2013, Lioy has withdrawn from the public eye. Once vocal about her belief in his innocence, she now avoids any public acknowledgment of their past relationship. Reports suggest that Lioy lives a reclusive life, possibly in Richmond, California, but she has not made any public statements or appearances in years. The only recent mention of her was in her father's 2019 obituary, where she was listed as Doreen Ramirez.
What did Doreen Lioy say about being with Richard Ramirez?
Doreen Lioy married the convicted serial killer Richard Ramirez in 1996, and she often spoke openly about her love and admiration for him despite his crimes. In interviews with outlets like CNN and the San Francisco Examiner, Lioy consistently defended Ramirez, describing him as "kind," "funny," and "charming."
In her 1997 interview with CNN, she called him her "best friend" and "buddy" and added, "I think he’s really a great person." Lioy stood adamant with a belief in his innocence and said, “I just believe in him completely.”
She even compared his case to O.J. Simpson's, claiming there was "far more evidence" to convict Simpson.
Lioy admitted that being married to someone on death row was isolating and described her lifestyle as "lonely." Conjugal visits were not allowed for death row inmates, meaning Lioy had to give up her dream of having a family. Still, she told the Examiner in 1996 that "being with Richard" was her new purpose and happiness.
She visited Ramirez at San Quentin four times a week, often bringing breath mints to ensure she could kiss him “with confidence,” according to the Los Angeles Times.
What did Richard Ramirez do? A brief before you watch Richard Ramirez: The Night Stalker Tapes
Richard Ramirez got the title of the 'Night Stalker' because he was infamous for carrying out a series of brutal murders, r*pes, and assaults between 1984 and 1985, leaving a trail of terror across California. His crimes began with the 1984 murder of 9-year-old Mei Leung, whom he r*ped, strangled, and hung in a basement. But the murder wasn't linked to Ramirez until DNA evidence emerged in 2009. All his death row tapes will be featured in Richard Ramirez: The Night Stalker Tapes on Peacock.
Ramirez’s killing spree escalated in 1985, starting with the murder of 79-year-old Jennie Vincow in her Los Angeles home. Ramirez slashed her throat so severely that she was nearly decapitated. Over the next few months, he broke into homes at night, targeting victims indiscriminately.
Ramirez used various weapons, like knives, handguns, and hammers, often killing in horrifyingly violent ways. His victims ranged from 16-year-old Whitney Bennett, who survived after being bludgeoned with a tire iron, to 83-year-old Mabel Bell, who died after being beaten and electrocuted.
He r*ped and assaulted numerous women and demanded them to swear allegiance to Satan and in some cases, he left Satanic symbols at the crime scenes. He showed no pattern in choosing his victims, which are married couples, single women, elderly people, and even children.
His killings often included torture. He mutilated 44-year-old Maxine Zazzara, carving a cross into her chest and removing her eyes, which he kept as a trophy. Ramirez also taunted survivors, such as 27-year-old Sakina Abowath, whom he r*ped and forced to swear to Satan while her 3-year-old son was tied up.
In total, Ramirez was convicted of 13 murders, 5 attempted murders, 11 s*xual assaults, and 14 burglaries. His gruesome spree ended in August 1985 when he was caught and beaten by residents in East Los Angeles after being recognized by news coverage.
Richard Ramirez: The Night Stalker Tapes will go deep into his crimes.
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Catch Richard Ramirez: The Night Stalker Tapes exclusively on Peacock on December 10, 2024.
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