'Night Stalker' to Fight Death Sentence in Cal. Supreme Court

Lawyers for convicted serial killer Richard Ramirez are scheduled to challenge his death sentence before the California Supreme Court on Tuesday, but the grisly killing spree he was convicted of nearly two decades ago won't be the main subject of debate.

Instead, the focal point will be Ramirez's two defense lawyers, whose inexperience in capital cases and bizarre behavior during the trial, his appellate lawyers argue, should get the man known as the "Night Stalker" off death row.

Ramirez, however, chose his own lawyers and ignored warnings by the judge that they weren't qualified to handle his case. . . .

[R]amirez, now 46, was sentenced to death in 1989 for 13 Los Angeles-area murders committed in 1984 and 1985. Satanic symbols were left at some murder scenes and some victims were forced to "swear to Satan" by the killer, who broke into homes through unlocked windows and doors.

Daniel Hernandez and Arturo Hernandez, who are not related, had a combined five years of experience when they took over as Ramirez's defense lawyers. Both had a history of being held in contempt in Santa Clara County for their handling of cases, and their conduct resulted in the reversal of one murder conviction.

Both were absent for long periods during Ramirez's trial. Daniel Hernandez cited a stress-related illness, and Arturo Hernandez was held in contempt after he told the court he needed to attend his brother's funeral in Mexico when he actually was honeymooning in Europe.

I should think he was held in contempt . . . . I wonder what those two lawyers are up to now? Details here from the AP via tha San Francisco Chronicle.

UPDATE: I answered my own question: Arturo Hernandez (SBN 108980) is actively practicing law in San Jose, with no record of disciplinary or administrative actions. And Daniel Hernandez (SBN 109322) is, unfortunately, deceased.

Comments

[LightKnight]

Why should this murderer be freed because his self selected lawyers were alledgedly inadequate? The state of California supllied two public defenders for his trial He and his family made the choice not to use them. I cannot image the possible problems that could result in putting this animal on the street with our families. May God forgive his acts and his soul.LightKnight

[Sue]

Richard Ramirez is too dangerous to ever be let out of prison again. If they do decide to change his death sentence. I assure you it will be LIFE!

[T Santi]

Well atleast life would be better that him dying . You all don't know him . As much as the victums families suffer , so do people that know him .

[Stela Vasques]

Hello! My name is Stela and I'm 28 years old.If Richard Ramirez kills someone of your family you wanted his death? I believe the answer is YES. And if Richard Ramirez was someone of your family (father, son, cousin, etc) you also wanted his death? I believe the answer is NO. You know what I mean? It's easy to judge and condemn someone that doesn’t mean anything for us right? Anyone of your family could be one criminal you know that? Do you really want the death penalty? We don't have the right punishment for a criminal like Richard Ramirez. His death is not the solution. I'm really against the death penalty. I know that Ramirez committed horrible crimes and have to be punished but with his life? That it's justice? And how do you know that Richard Ramirez don't change? People change!

[ramirez]

i my self do not agree with the death penalty richard did horrible things to innocent people in recent writings with him he still is a person he still is loved by his family

[kriz]

Here ya go...I interviewed the last known victim of that rotten son of a bitch in a small town in another state. He had a bullet hole in his forehead and a messed up leg and is left with no fiance...who was severely beaten, raped and tortured...he also has permanent brain damage...so, you think this worthless piece of shit called the Night Stalker should live on? For what exactly? To cost the taxpayers money? I don't think so. May he rot in hell...he seems to like it there, Mr. Satan asshole himself...so he can go hang out with him then eh? Should make everyone happy. I can't believe some idiot bimbo married him. DUH...my god, it's a scary world when women are fighting over a serial killer. I loved it that his own race...Mexican's...kicked his friggin butt and took him down. He was a shame to that culture. I cannot express the rage I feel inside for this piece of crap. Raping and sodomizing women and children so he can feel like some kind of self imposed hero and so he can drool his blood and venom. I hope he chokes on his slobber when he takes his final breath.

[kads]

If Richard Ramirez was my SON, I would vomit at the things he has done...I would cry a lot and VOMIT. I would be embarrassed, humiliated, ill, sick for the families and/or the victims...I would live in remorse for having brought such a monster into this world...and I would do whatever I could to help the families and victims myself. I would wash my hands of Richard and say that he is not the child I gave birth to. That Richard would be LONG DEAD to me...so the electric chair...I would be the first to condone it. I would turn my back on him.

[gayle hufton]

I really dont know what to think about all this? I live in england, and wrote to him about 10 years ago. i think he really does feel remorse, but doesnt want to show it, because of what he believes in. Im so sorry for the families of his victims.But i still dont think he should have the death sentence, its to late for him anyway to make his mind up, he just wants to die anyway.Hes messed up in the head now so he doesnt care,maybe drugs have done this to him? Im not sticking up for him but what sort of childhood did he have?He needs to be blessed before he goes, what do you think? Gayle x

[SV]

Rest in Peace Richie <3