Cynthia Horner, a magazine editor who met Doreen Lioy while working for Tiger Beat, was surprised to learn that Lioy had developed a relationship with notorious serial killer Richard Ramirez, also known as the “Night Stalker.” Lioy, who married Ramirez in 1996 while he was in prison awaiting execution, did not participate in the new true-crime docuseries “Richard Ramirez: The Night Stalker Tapes.” The docuseries is based on audio recordings from death row and features interviews with relatives and loved ones of the victims. Horner acknowledged that Ramirez continues to fascinate and horrify people even decades after his crimes.
Lioy began writing to Ramirez after believing in his innocence and defending him publicly. She went as far as trying to contact the media to advocate for him. Despite working in an industry focused on teen idols, Lioy decided to strike up a relationship with Ramirez, which was seen as controversial by her colleagues. Horner described Lioy as a “superfan” who went above and beyond to support Ramirez, even as the rest of the world saw him as a brutal criminal who committed horrific crimes.
Ramirez was convicted of 13 murders in Southern California in the 1980s, along with charges of rape, sodomy, burglary, and attempted murder. His killing spree involved breaking into homes at night and inflicting brutal violence on his victims. He was dubbed the “Night Stalker” by the press and faced a lengthy trial that ultimately resulted in a death sentence. Ramirez attracted a following of young women admirers, with Lioy standing out as one of his most devoted supporters.
Despite the heinous nature of Ramirez’s crimes, Lioy remained committed to him, visiting him regularly in prison and expressing her love for him. She was known to be a recluse who lived in a fantasy world but made sure to maintain her place in Ramirez’s life among other female admirers. Lioy’s dedication to Ramirez, including her frequent visits and early positions in the visiting line, showed the extent of her feelings for him, which Horner believes provided her with a sense of companionship and connection.
Ramirez’s dark and twisted crimes did not deter admirers like Lioy, who continued to support him despite the evidence against him. Lioy’s devotion to Ramirez was evident through her consistent visits to him and early appearances in the visiting line. Even after DNA linked Ramirez to the murder of a 9-year-old girl, Lioy maintained her relationship with him, only distancing herself after police made the announcement. Despite her involvement with Ramirez, Lioy’s whereabouts remain unknown, and she does not wish to be recognized according to the docuseries.
Horner, who has not been in contact with Lioy in recent years, expressed interest in reconnecting with her to ask questions and gain further insight into their unusual relationship. While Lioy’s devotion to Ramirez was puzzling to outsiders, Horner sees it as a form of companionship and support that she sought in her own life. The docuseries sheds light on the complexities of relationships like the one between Lioy and Ramirez, highlighting the dark allure that dangerous individuals like Ramirez can hold over certain individuals.
