On this day, Aug. 31, 1985, the “Night Stalker” killer, Richard Ramirez, was captured and nearly killed by a mob in East Los Angeles. A day earlier, police released Ramirez’ mugshots identifying him as the predator who had terrorized Southern California. During a six-month spree, the Night Stalker crept into homes, shot any men present and raped, stabbed and mutilated more than a dozen women.
Police got a break when one woman, who he raped and demanded she swear her love for Satan, caught a glimpse of a license plate. Police found the abandoned car and lifted a fingerprint that belonged to Ramirez.
Citizens recognized Ramirez, 25, from the mugshot police then released and surrounded and beat him before police arrived.
Ramirez was convicted of 13 murders, and is awaiting execution at San Quentin State Prison.
-Scott McCabe
