The State - News from May 22, 1986

Accused Night Stalker Richard Ramirez pleaded not guilty to charges of 14 murders and 31 other felonies at his arraignment in Los Angeles Superior Court. Ramirez, 26, spoke only once during the brief hearing, saying “Yeah,” when asked by Judge Aurelio Munoz whether he would agree to a delay in his trial, which by law would start within 60 days. Ramirez, being held without bail, was ordered to return to court June 17 for a pretrial and trial-setting conference before Superior Court Judge Dion G. Morrow. Defense Co-counsel Arturo Hernandez, who entered the not guilty plea on behalf of Ramirez, told Munoz he plans to file extensive pretrial motions, including a request that his client’s trial be moved out of Los Angeles County due to extensive publicity. Deputy Dist. Atty. P. Philip Halpin said later that he will oppose the change of venue motion because Ramirez can “unquestionably” receive a fair trial in Los Angeles. Ramirez was ordered to stand trial earlier this month.