Personal background (Childhood/teenager)
How was he treated by his parents?
His father was very physically violent and would beat/punish him as well as extreme punishments Ex(His father tied him to a crucifix overnight)
When becoming an adult did he stop his drug use?
No he was heavily addicted and continued abusing drugs significantly impacting his behavior.
Overtime did his crimes escalate? Were his crime scenes organized or disorganized?
Yes, as a teenager he committed smaller crimes such as burglaries, but as an adult committed murder, assault, and many more harsh things. His crime scenes were both organized and not. He always acted at night not in public places, but at the same time committed very harsh acts while leaving major evidence.
How did he die?
He died in prison from natural causes resulting from a type of cancer.
Who was he known as?
"The Night Stalker"
Did he begin to take drugs?
Unfortunately due to his early life he began to abuse harmful drugs as a teenager such as LSD. This was his way of escaping his life at home which overall contributed to aggression in his behavior.
What job did he work?
He never had an actual job and instead made his money through small jobs and crime.
Were his victims high or low risk? Was he a high or low risk offender?
His victims were low risk. He went after people who believed they were safe in their homes, especially at night when they were least expecting it. He was a high risk offender considering he targeted anyone and everyone, while never having a specific pattern followed.
What was he sentenced to?
He was sentenced to death.
Where did most of his crimes occur?
California
Did he suffer any injuries growing up?
Yes he suffered a few including falling off of a dresser, and being hit by a swing later leading to brain damage.
Did he ever have a set home?
No, he moved between friends houses, motels, and was sometimes left homeless
What were the elements of his crime?
Mens rea - he wanted people to hurt, and showed no remorse in court Actus reus - he continuously hurt people out of choice Concurrence - he chose to commit crimes at the same time he did Causation - his actions affected so many people
When in court how did he act, and react to his sentencing?
He didn't care and showed no remorse. After being sentenced to death he states "Big deal" to the judge.
How long did his trial last?
4 years
What negatively impacting things did he learn from his cousin?
His cousin Miguel would show him disturbing photos of women he had raped during the war as well as showing him killing techniques he learned such as throat slashing.
When did he get married?
Richard married Doreen Lioy while in prison awaiting execution. This occurred in the main visiting room.
What were his Motive, Means, and Opportunity?
Motive - childhood trauma, need of power, and wanting to show loyalty to satanism
Means - Physical force, firearms, weapons
Opportunity - At night when people were vulnerable, unlocked homes
What evidence made his trial?
There were multiple fingerprints, shoe prints, bullets and shell casings were matched to the scenes, eyewitness identifications, and many more.
Did he have a certain way he picked his victims?
No, he would randomly pick as well as take any opportunity. This caused much fear do to the lack of pattern in his killings.
How did temporarily developing epilepsy as a child contribute to his development?
This caused problems with his emotions, control, learning ability, behavior, and the type of person he was. Richard experience many seizures leading him to take prescribed medications, while he was already using other drugs
What was his tattoo obtained in jail, and what did it mean?
It was a satanic symbol due to him wanting to show his loyalty and appreciation to satan.
What was his Modus Operandi (usual way)? What was his signature?
His usual way was committing crimes at night in people's homes. He took advantage of unlocked doors/windows. At every scene his signature was leaving satanic pentagrams in the scenes.
How was he caught?
He stole a car after being recognized in a store but crashed. He was attacked by angry mob of people and he was then taken and arrested.
What did he leave in the homes of his victims?
satanic symbols