Richard Ramirez – Timeline of events
Richard Ramirez Visual Timeline of Events
This timeline provides a detailed account of the life and criminal actions of Richard Ramirez, also known as “The Night Stalker.” It traces key moments from his early childhood through his adult years, including significant personal experiences, escalating behaviors, and confirmed crimes. The purpose of this timeline is to offer a factual chronology for researchers, students, or individuals seeking to understand the progression of Ramirez’s life and actions within a historical or criminological context.
From his troubled upbringing and early exposure to violence to his series of crimes that shocked the nation in the 1980s, each entry highlights critical dates and descriptions to illustrate patterns in his behavior and interactions with law enforcement. The events are organized by date and age to provide a clear, structured understanding of his development and criminal activity.
Please note: This timeline contains references to violent crimes and may be distressing to some readers. Viewer discretion is advised.
Source: Radford University
02/28/1960 | Age 0
-Born in El Paso, Texas
-nicknamed Richie – was a good baby-didn’t cry much, ate & slept well
1962 | Age 2
-Dresser fell on his head. Was knocked unconscious for 15 minutes. Received 30 stitches.
1965 | Age 5
-Hit in the head with a swing and was knocked unconscious.
1966 | Age 6
-Witnessed his father beating his oldest brother-Ruben
-Started having seizures – Diagnosed with Temporal Lobe Eplilepsy
1967 | Age 7
-Started to have problems in school but overall a good student
1969 | Age 9
-Started to be a loner
1970 | Age 10
-Began to smoke marijuana.
-Would often sleep in the cemetery to escape his fathers rage.
1972 | Age 12
-Started hanging out with his cousin Mike. Mike was a Vietnam war veteran and he began showing Richard graphic photographs…
-Was sexual aroused by these photographs.
-Threw a rock through the neighbor’s widow, when his mother was informed she just shrugged.
1973 | Age 13
Was 5’9” and 190 lbs
05/04/1973 | Age 13
Witnessed his cousin murder his wife.
1973 | Age 13
-Stopped paying attention in school
-Went to Los Angeles…
07/13/1973 | Age 13
-Moved in with his sister Ruther and her husband Roberto Avala.
1973-1977 | Age Teenager
-Not a gang member…
1973-1977 | Age Teenager
-Was known as Ricky the Klepto, aka. Dedos or Fingers
1973-1977 | Age Teenager
-Sent to the Texas youth camp for juvenile delinquents
1973-1977 | Age Teenager
-After returning from the camp…
1977 | Age 17
First sexual experience with a woman…
Late 1977 | Age 17
Cousin Mike was released…
1978 | Age 18
February – Moved to Los Angeles
Habitual drug user…
1978 | Age 18
Began to worship Satan…
1978-1984 | Age 18-24
Arrested many times for possession…
1979 | Age 19
Began to let personal hygiene go.
1981 | Age 21
Arrested in Pasadena for auto theft
1983 | Age 23
His Sister Ruth went to LA…
1984 | Age 24
Arrested in Los Angeles for auto theft
06/28/1984 | Age 24
Entered through an open window…
03/17/1985 | Age 25
Shot Angela Bar (22)…
03/27/1985 | Age 25
Shot and killed Vincent Zazzarra (64)…
05/29/1985 | Age 25
Killed Malvial Keller (83)…
06/27/1985 | Age 25
Raped a six-year-old girl in Acadia
06/28/1985 | Age 25
Beat and slit Patty Higgins’ (32) throat.
07/02/1985 | Age 25
Killed Mary Cannon (75)…
07/05/1985 | Age 25
Beat Deidre Palmer (16)…
07/07/1985 | Age 25
Beat Joyce Lucille Nelson (61)…
07/20/1985 | Age 25
Maxon Kneiling (66) and wife Lena (66)…
08/06/1985 | Age 25
Shot both Christopher Peterson (38)…
08/08/1985 | Age 25
Shot Ahmed Zia (35)…
08/24/1985 | Age 25
Traveled 50 miles to Los Angeles…
08/30/1985 | Age 25
Police matched prints from the car…
8/31/1985 | Age 25
Captured by citizens.
1996 | Age 36
Married Doreen Lioy in Prison
