Doreen Lioy: The Wife of Night Stalker Richard Ramirez

An upcoming docuseries on Peacock is set to explore the life of infamous serial killer Richard Ramirez. Titled “Richard Ramirez: The Night Stalker Tapes,” this special will delve into never-before-heard recordings of Ramirez, known for his killing spree in the mid-1980s in Los Angeles. Ramirez, also known as the “Night Stalker,” committed a series of heinous crimes, including murder, burglary, rape, and torture.

One intriguing aspect that the show will cover is Ramirez’s relationship with Doreen Lioy, who eventually became his wife. After Ramirez’s arrest in 1985, Lioy, a freelance magazine editor, began writing to him while he was incarcerated. Despite the gravity of Ramirez’s crimes, Lioy felt a deep connection with him, even before he was arrested. She once mentioned being captivated by his mug shot on TV, seeing something in his eyes that drew her to him.

The couple became engaged in 1988 and eventually tied the knot on October 3, 1996, inside San Quentin State Prison. Lioy, dressed in a white bridal gown, stood by Ramirez’s side as they exchanged vows. Following the ceremony, Lioy expressed her happiness and relief, stating that she was looking forward to spending the rest of her day with Ramirez’s family.

Despite the public’s perception of Ramirez, Lioy stood by him and believed in his innocence, expressing her unwavering support for him. However, they were not granted conjugal visits during their marriage.

Lioy has largely remained silent about her relationship with Ramirez in recent years. To learn more about her story and the complex dynamic between her and the notorious Night Stalker, tune in to “Richard Ramirez: The Night Stalker Tapes,” premiering exclusively on Peacock on December 10, 2024.