The Region - News from Dec. 11, 1986

A survey of potential jurors disclosed that more than half are already convinced that Richard Ramirez is responsible for the Night Stalker murders. Paul J. Strand, a political scientist at San Diego State University, said his telephone survey--which was comissioned by defense lawyers--also showed that 94.3% of the people questioned had heard about Ramirez’s August, 1985, arrest in connection with 14 Los Angeles-area murders. Describing these figures as “extremely high,” Strand also said that of the 283 respondents who were familiar with the Night Stalker case, 46% said concern for their safety had increased while the murders were occurring. Of that group, he said, 29.7% said they had taken special precautions.