Local News in Brief : Ramirez Trial Date Set
The Night Stalker trial of Richard Ramirez will begin June 30, a Los Angeles judge said Tuesday after being assured by Ramirez’s lawyer that the defense will be ready to proceed in the long-delayed case.
“I’ve conferred with my client and we’re ready to begin trial June 30,” said Daniel Hernandez.
“That’s a firm date?” asked Superior Court Judge Michael Tynan.
“A firm date,” Hernandez said.
“That’s very encouraging,” said Tynan, who has faced repeated requests for delays.
Tynan said jury selection could take six to eight months and advised attorneys that they need not worry about having witnesses ready before then.
Ramirez is charged in Los Angeles County with 13 counts of murder and 30 other felonies allegedly committed during a spree of nighttime intrusions and sadistic attacks in 1984 and 1985.
He has been linked to four San Francisco killings but has been charged with only one. He has also been charged with attempted murder and rape in an attack on a couple in Mission Viejo in Orange County.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
