Review – Night Stalker: The Killer That Stole Hearts

“Perfect crime masterpiece” for viewers

Review - Night Stalker: The Killer That Stole Hearts

When picturing a serial killer or a serial rapist, stereotypically, an old, balding white man with a sideways grimace fueled with rage is the first image that may come to mind. In this case, it’s a young, satanic Latino heart-thob. 

On January 13th, Netflix released a shocking documentary dubbed “Night Stalker.” “Night Stalker” is a short series of about four 50-minute episodes. The dark and sinister show focuses on the strange disappearances of children and adults in the heart of Los Angeles, Calif. There was one huge problem with the disappearances—there were no connections between any of the victims. 

The series keeps watchers craving more information whilst slowly weaving the pieces together. The first two episodes focus on the development of the disappearances and murders of multiple people while Gil Carillo, assistant investigator on the case, narrates the slow process of the detaining of the suspected killer. Even as victims come forward with information and concern, a suspect is still non-existent except by sketch. By episode three, further connections are made—matching shoe prints and murder weapons. By this time, investigators know it is now a Latino man. 

Episode four—we now know who the killer is. Satanist killer Richard Ramirez, a.k.a. the Night Stalker, is detained after being connected to multiple murders. Typically, a show ends here, but to finish off the bizarre and chilling series, the producers explore the odd infatuation many women had with Ramirez. Not only do they investigate this, but they also analyze Ramirez’s odd and cynical behavior while at court. These elements add a whole new dimension to the retelling of crimes and help to provide an understanding of the time to a younger audience.

All of this put together makes the perfect crime masterpiece to entice viewers of all ages and demographics.