Local : Recess Denied in Stalker Trial

The judge in the trial of accused Night Stalker killer Richard Ramirez today denied a request to recess the proceedings for two weeks so a defense attorney can recuperate from nervous exhaustion. Attorney Daniel Hernadez, 44, asked for the time “to change my habits and diet and find some assistance in court.”

Superior Court Judge Michael Tynan said the trial must resume Monday. “Some of us have chest pains, some of us have bellyaches, but the point is that we all suffer stress in these cases,” Tynan said. “It is part and parcel of a death penalty case. I do not feel your health justifies any further continuance in this case.” Ramirez is on trial for 13 murders in Los Angeles County.