Local News in Brief : New Stalker Trial Delay

The often delayed trial of Night Stalker suspect Richard Ramirez, 28, was postponed once again Wednesday so that defense lawyers could receive more information from law enforcement agencies.

Jury selection had been scheduled to begin March 22, but Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Michael Tynan put the trial off indefinitely while prosecutors comply with an appellate court order. The order requires law enforcement officials to provide any information they have about similar crimes committed in the three months before and after Ramirez’s August, 1985, capture by an angry crowd in East Los Angeles.

Tynan will receive a progress report April 18. The new schedule means it will be May at the earliest before the trial could begin. As usual in his court appearances, Ramirez slouched low in his chair, turning occasionally to look at courtroom spectators who attend most of his hearings.

Ramirez is charged with 13 brutal murders and 30 other felonies, including robberies, burglaries and sexual attacks committed in Los Angeles County between June 27, 1984, and Aug. 8, 1985. He also is accused of crimes in Orange County and San Francisco.