The Night Stalker

Night Stalker 1
Charles Heiskell Kope
4 November 2008
Coroner Death Investigations
Lt. Gil Carrillo, L.A. Sheriff Homicide Department
Richard Ramirez: The Night Stalker
On Thursday, November 30, 2008 we had the great pleasure of viewing the “Night
Stalker” presentation by Lieutenant Gil Carrillo of the Los Angeles Sheriff Homicide
Department. I thoroughly enjoyed the presentation; everything from the video produced by BBC
about Richard Ramirez, to the slide show presentation depicting the crime scene photos of the
Night Stalker murders and assaults, to the discussion that took us to the end of class. It was a
great privilege to personally meet Lieutenant Carrillo, and his presentation has opened my eyes
to a valuable future in Homicide Investigation as well as re-enforcing my desire to become a part
of the Sheriff-Coroner department. I greatly look forward to the instruction in Homicide
Investigation at the La Puente Valley Regional Occupational Program Forensic Science
Academy after viewing this presentation, and I am now even more convinced that a career path
in Forensic Science and Death Investigation is the best choice to suit my interests.
The video produced by BBC on the Night Stalker was very interesting. I enjoyed seeing
how the personal life of Lt. Carrillo played an integral role in the pursuit, investigation, and
eventual capture of the Night Stalker. I have been previously educated about the Night Stalker
through mediums such as the Crime Library web page as well as the book “The Night Stalker”
written by Philip Carlo, but much of the information in the video was presented clearly and
informatively as to make it seem like this was new information that I had never before
encountered. Although this video shed excellent light on the crimes and wrongdoings of the
Night Stalker 2
Night Stalker, it did not go very in depth in the events that occurred before of after the crimes. I
would have liked to learn more about the childhood and adolescent years of Richard Ramirez,
and the events that were to shape him into the state-wide feared Night Stalker. Also, I would
have like to hear more about the trial and sentencing of the Night Stalker, along with current
information about his performance and behavior as an inmate on San Quentin’s death row.
The Night Stalker crime scene photos were absolutely horrifying and grotesque, yet
extremely interesting. I find it very remarkable about how much of this case was not exposed to
the public, and how very little I actually knew and understood about this case prior to Lt.
Carrillo’s presentation. Being a bit of an enthusiast in the field of serial killers and the macabre, I
thought I new more that most about the Night Stalker before even seeing Lt. Carrillo’s
presentation. My attitude immediately changed upon viewing the crime scene photographs in the
PowerPoint presentation viewed in class. I had no idea how unique and fascinating this case was,
and how different it was from anything I have ever seen before. The heinous crimes of the Night
Stalker were very unique from any other case I have been presented with as an amateur true
crime enthusiast, and I immediately became very interested in learning the details of the crimes. I
would have liked to here more from Lt. Carrillo about the Night Stalker himself; mainly how the
Night Stalker would respond when questioned about his crimes, what his original motives for
committing his earliest crimes were, and why he left witnesses who could identify him later in
the case.
This was not my first time about hearing about the famous Lieutenant Gil Carrillo. I have
often read about his actions and investigations in Los Angeles through the newspaper and on the
news. I find it very inspiring how dedicated Lt. Carrillo is to his job as well as his community.
The dedication shown in the video may have been enhanced through performances by actors, but
Night Stalker 3
no theatrics could hide the fact that Lt. Carrillo did everything in his power, and more, to find
and catch the culprit of these heinous crimes. I find it remarkable that Lt. Carrillo dedicated his
life to his work, and even jeopardized his own family and happiness for the good of the
community. To me, this is the best and highest form of public service one can offer. It was an
honor to be in the presence of such a remarkable and dedicated person who has done more for his
society, city, and community than anyone I have ever met.

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Night Stalker 1

Charles Heiskell Kope

Coroner Death Investigations

Lt. Gil Carrillo, L.A. Sheriff Homicide Department

Richard Ramirez: The Night Stalker

to a valuable future in Homicide Investigation as well as re-enforcing my desire to become a part

of the Sheriff-Coroner department. I greatly look forward to the instruction in Homicide

Investigation at the La Puente Valley Regional Occupational Program Forensic Science

society, city, and community than anyone I have ever met.

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