Richard Ramirez Case

The summer of 1985 was especially hot in Southern California. Many people attempted to find relief from the oppressive heat by leaving their windows and doors open at night. Unfortunately for more than 14 Californians they let more than cool air into their homes. Slipping quietly into their homes was a man dressed in black. Dubbed by the media as the “Night Stalker,” Richard Ramirez terrorized Southern California with brutal, random attacks that prompted one of the largest manhunts in the history of Los Angeles.

The story of Richard Ramirez begins before his birth on February 29, 1960. His father, Julian Ramirez was born in Mexico during a time where it was common for fathers to beat their children. By all accounts Julian was beaten mercilessly by his father and grandfather. Due to his experiences as a child Julian vowed to never beat his children. (177-180) Julian met his wife, Mercedes, when they were fourteen years old. After enduring their share of hardship they finally married in 1948 against both of their families wishes. Julian and Mercedes both grew up in poverty and promised each other that their kids would have everything they wanted.

In 1943 the United States government began working on The Manhattan Project. The classified facility Los Alamos, New Mexico began testing on atomic and nuclear weapons. At the time Julian and Mercedes were living in Juarez, Mexico about 200 miles from the testing facility. The fallout from these tests was routinely carried south into Juarez where it led to an increase in birth defects. The Ramirez’s first born son, Rueben, was born with golf ball sized lumps on the back of his head and neck. He was very sickly and nearly died. Rueben eventually recovered and two months later Mercedes was pregnant with Joseph. Joseph was born with no apparent complications, however, before his first birthday Joseph was diagnosed with Collier’s disease which caused his bones to grow in painful curves. Julian worked hard to pay for the medical treatments necessary to provide Joseph a chance, until he was deported.

After being deported Julian took a job as a policeman in Juarez, much to Mercedes dismay. Julian was a good policeman and new about weapons from his time in the military. Even though Julian was happy Mercedes was not and shortly after the birth of their third son, Robert, Julian’s immigration papers were approved and the family moved to El Paso, Texas where Julian took a job laying train tracks for the Santa Fe Railroad. Mercedes took a job with Tony Lama boots. She was soon pregnant with their daughter, Ruth. The pregnancy was very difficult on Mercedes and she soon had severe medical issues due to the chemicals she was exposed to at the boot factory. Ruth was surprisingly born healthy. Mercedes last pregnancy was her worst. She had to have a series of injections in order to keep the fetus alive and doctors told her that she had to