The Region : Orange County May Try Ramirez First

Richard Ramirez, the suspected “Night Stalker” accused of killing 14 people, may face trial in Orange County before he faces any charges in Los Angeles, according to the Orange County district attorney’s office. Authorities in Orange County have been informed by Arturo Hernandez, Ramirez’s attorney, that Ramirez will not waive or postpone action on the charges of attempted murder, rape and robbery at his court appearance in Santa Ana on June 26. That would require that a preliminary hearing be held within 10 days. The Orange County charges allege that Ramirez attacked a Mission Viejo couple in their home on Aug. 25, 1985, seriously injuring William Carns and raping his companion. Ramirez pleaded not guilty to those charges in March of 1986. His trial in Los Angeles, where he is accused of mass murder, is scheduled for Sept. 30.