Richard Ramirez, the real-life killer behind 'American Horror Story: 1984'
"American Horror Story: 1984" introduced Richard Ramirez, the real-life serial killer also known as “the Night Stalker,” who was convicted of 13 counts of murder in 1989. The El Paso native is being played by Zach Villa.
This is the ninth installment of the award-winning anthology series created by Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk.
The series premiered Sept. 18 on FX. It has everything you could possibly expect from a 1980s iteration of the hit anthology series: vintage hairdos, biting dialogue, tight clothing — and, duh, a murderous slasher set to ravage the staff at a summer camp outside of Los Angeles.
But despite the TV dramatization, there are real victims behind the story.
Here's what to know about the infamous serial killer from El Paso, Texas.
The beginning: 'American Horror Story: 1984' premiere recap: A summer camp killer is on the loose
What to know about Richard Ramirez aka 'The Night Stalker'
Richard Ramirez, known as the “Night Stalker,” was an American serial killer. Ramirez spent over two years of his life raping and torturing over 25 victims and killing more than a dozen people. Most of these crimes were committed in the victims' California homes.
Richard, the son of Mercedes and Julian Ramirez, was born in El Paso, Texas, on Feb. 28, 1960.
A LOOK BACK: El Paso relatives of 'Night Stalker' Richard Ramirez react to his death
On June 28, 1984, Ramirez’s committed his first murder. The 79-year-old victim, Jennie Vincow, was sexually assaulted, stabbed and murdered in her own home. In just one year, Ramirez had murdered more than a dozen people and tortured 25 people.
After many delays, in 1989, Ramirez, age 29, was convicted of 13 murders, five attempted murders, 11 sexual assaults and 14 burglaries. He was sentenced to die in California’s gas chamber.
Who were Richard Ramirez's victims?
The following is a list of Richard Ramirez's victims, from the book "Night Stalker," by Clifford L. Linedecker, along with the charges Ramirez faced for each.
- June 28, 1984 – Jennie Vincow, 79, Glassell Park. Murder, burglary.
- March 17, 1985 – Dayle Okazaki, 34, and Maria Hernandez, 20, Rosemead. Murder, attempted murder, robbery.
- March 17, 1985 – Veronica Yu, 30, Monterey Park. Murder.
- March 27, 1985 – Vincent Zazzara, 64, and his wife Macine, 44, Whittier. Two counts of murder, sexual charges.
- May 14, 1985 – Bill Doi, 66, Monterey Park. Murder, robbery, sexual charges.
- May 30, 1985 – Carol Kyle, 41, Burbank. Burglary, sex charges, robbery.
- June 1, 1985 – Mable "Ma Bell" Bell, 83, and sister, Florence "Nettie" Lang, 80, Monrovia. Murder, attempted murder, robbery.
- July 2, 1985 – Mary Louise Cannon, 75, Arcadia. Murder, burglary.
- July 5, 1985 – Whitney Bennett, 16, Sierra Madre. Attempted murder, burglary.
- July 7, 1985 – Joyce Lucille Nelson, 61, Monterey Park. Murder, burglary.
- July 7, 1985 – Sophie Dickman, 63, Monterey Park. Burglary, robbery, sex charges.
- July 20, 1985 – Max, 68, and Lela Kneiding, 66, Glendale. Two counts of murder, robbery.
- July 20, 1985 – Chainarong Khovananth, 32, Sun Valley. Murder, robbery, burglary, sex offenses.
- Aug. 8, 1985 – Elyas Abowath, 35, Diamond Bar. Murder, robbery, burglary, rape
When did Richard Ramirez die?
Twenty-four years after this sentence, Ramirez had been on death row for more than 23 years. He died from B-cell lymphoma at age 53 on June 7, 2013.
1985: Angry mob captures Night Stalker suspect Richard Ramirez
El Paso relatives mourn Ramirez's death
Ramirez's relatives in Texas told the El Paso Times in 2013 that they were in mourning and wished to have their privacy respected during this period.
NIGHT STALKER: Richard Ramirez’s dad questions verdict in ‘Night Stalker’ murder trial
"We are mourning the loss of our son and brother, Richard Ramirez," the family told the Times. "The world judged him, whether fairly or unfairly, it no longer matters. He is now before the true judge, the judge that sees and knows all things. We ask that you respect our sorrow and grief."
Contributing: David Oliver