Richard Ramirez’s cousin, Miguel Ramirez, served in the Vietnam War and had a significant influence on him. Miguel shared graphic stories and photos from the war, which affected Richard’s psyche and may have contributed to his later criminal behavior.
Miguel Ramirez, also known as Mike, was a Green Beret and a Vietnam War veteran. He returned from the war with gruesome stories and Polaroid photos of his exploits, including images of Vietnamese women he had raped and killed. These stories and images had a profound impact on his younger cousin, Richard Ramirez, who was exposed to them at a formative age.
Richard looked up to Miguel and was heavily influenced by his actions and experiences. The exposure to violence and death at such a young age is believed to have played a role in Richard’s development into the notorious serial killer known as the “Night Stalker.” In 1985, Richard Ramirez went on a horrific crime spree in California, committing a series of home invasion murders and sexual assaults.
The relationship between Richard and Miguel took a dark turn when, in 1973, Richard witnessed Miguel fatally shoot his wife, Jessie, in the face during a domestic argument. This traumatic event further desensitized Richard to violence and may have reinforced the idea that violent actions were an acceptable way to resolve conflicts or express anger.
Miguel’s influence on Richard Ramirez is a chilling example of how exposure to violence and criminal behavior can have a cascading effect, potentially shaping the actions of others in destructive ways.