There seems to be low rated reviews on here as it didn't contain enough information about Ramirez himself. What needs to be realised is that that is not what this documentary is. It is not a biography of Ramirez himself but a narration of how the detectives caught him.
If you want a documentary on Ramirez there are plenty out there. There are books and movies as well. As someone who has seen a lot of them I wasn't interested in another retelling of his life.
I personally found it refreshing to see how the detectives went about piecing it all together and eventually catching him.
Well worth a watch.
232 Reviews
A refreshing examination of a serial killer that focuses on the investigators
DeltaHomicide13 January 2021
As a true crime fan who grew up in Los Angeles during the 1980's, naturally I was looking forward to this documentary series. Night Stalker: The Hunt for a Serial Killer however, quieted my concern that it would glamourize Richard Ramirez. It did not. Far from it.
It is a celebration of the lead homicide detectives who worked tirelessly to capture an elusive, vicious killer. It also shines a great big light on the survivors, who reflect on the victims.
I appreciated the fresh approach to showing the crime scene photos - avoiding the typical horror soundtrack and overly macabre display. There are countless documentaries on serial killers that do this, but this one took a more sober approach, perhaps out of respect to the victims and their families.
Richard Ramirez's childhood and his trial is glossed over, but this is hardly a complaint. It never set out to cover the same old story, but a few more minutes delving into this segment would've felt more complete. A strong 9 out of 10.
It is a celebration of the lead homicide detectives who worked tirelessly to capture an elusive, vicious killer. It also shines a great big light on the survivors, who reflect on the victims.
I appreciated the fresh approach to showing the crime scene photos - avoiding the typical horror soundtrack and overly macabre display. There are countless documentaries on serial killers that do this, but this one took a more sober approach, perhaps out of respect to the victims and their families.
Richard Ramirez's childhood and his trial is glossed over, but this is hardly a complaint. It never set out to cover the same old story, but a few more minutes delving into this segment would've felt more complete. A strong 9 out of 10.
This Man Had Us Petrified
view_and_review21 March 2021
I was but a kid in California when the Night Stalker was victimizing this state. Richard Ramirez aka the Walk-In Killer aka the Night Stalker terrorized southern California from 1984 to 1985. We were shook. We would double and triple check locks and sleep lightly. We would hear of women placing glass bottles on their floors near windows as an alarm system. It was scary. This documentary reminded me of that time and those fears.
I read the book "The Night Stalker" by Philip Carlo not too long ago and this documentary has all of the information presented in his book and more. This four-parter is mostly in the words of the two main investigators: Frank Salerno and Gil Carillo. They essentially give a play-by-play of their investigation from the first murders to Ramirez's capture. There are a lot of crime photos and various news footage that really enunciate the angst of that time.
I read the book "The Night Stalker" by Philip Carlo not too long ago and this documentary has all of the information presented in his book and more. This four-parter is mostly in the words of the two main investigators: Frank Salerno and Gil Carillo. They essentially give a play-by-play of their investigation from the first murders to Ramirez's capture. There are a lot of crime photos and various news footage that really enunciate the angst of that time.
Warning: very graphic content
theethinethou15 January 2021
It's interesting to hear the stories of the guys who found this psycho. We take for granted that someone in authority is going to protect us while we sleep in the comfort of our beds. But these guys put themselves and their families at risk for us, so it is totally inappropriate to make unfair comments here about these men.
Hard to watch. Be warned, the series contains very graphic photographs of the victims.
Hard to watch. Be warned, the series contains very graphic photographs of the victims.
Utterly riveting-
Jim A15 January 2021
Brought me right back to that miserably hot summer with all the doors and windows locked tight in my parents' house in Rowland Heights. Lt. Richard Walls of the Sheriff's Information Bureau, seen about half way through the last episode, was my late brother-in-law. He did a large number of news appearances and interviews, both local and national, during that investigation.
City of Devils.
southdavid8 April 2021
With a little taste for true crime following the Cecil Hotel documentary, we moved onto "Night Stalker", a four-part miniseries about the series of murders, rapes and assaults that terrorised Southern California and the various law enforcers, reporters and victims who the case affected.
Frank Salerno already has a reputation within the LA County Sheriff's department for his work catching the Hillside Strangler. With a new partner Gil Carrillo, Frank didn't believe that he'd ever have to suffer through another case like that, so is concerned when evidence links a number of murders and home invasions together. Soon they are on the trail of a prolific attacker, with a variety of different tactics for his crimes, who is dubbed "The Night Stalker" by the press.
The show is focused more on Salerno and Garrillo and their investigation - than on Richard Ramirez himself. He doesn't make any form of appearance until the final episode, which focuses on his capture, trial and incarceration. There are interviews with the pair of detectives, who breakdown their personal and professional experiences across the timeline of Ramirez's crimes. There are interviews with survivors, or the families of survivors, in that sense, it was very thorough. It pointed out a couple of occasions when opportunities to save lives were thwarted by infighting between the different departments, or cities, and though Frank and Gil are the stars of the documentary, it's a San Francisco cop who all but admits to beating Ramirez's name out of someone who knew him. He's then identified and captured by members of the public, rather than the Sheriffs.
There were some technical aspects of the documentary that I didn't like. They use a CGI Map of Los Angeles to show the locations of the crimes which is all but useless to anyone who doesn't already have a working knowledge of the layout of the county. I never understood the distances involved. I felt, though I am not squeamish, that occasionally the crime scene photography was a bit much and that the reconstruction moments were hit a bit too often (that bouncing bloody hammer is shown at least twice in every episode).
I too think I would have preferred a bit more about Ramirez and the arrest and trial, perhaps another episode on that and one less about the crime spree and the detectives would have been a better balance - but, on the whole, I thought the series was decent if a little confused as to it's overall point.
Frank Salerno already has a reputation within the LA County Sheriff's department for his work catching the Hillside Strangler. With a new partner Gil Carrillo, Frank didn't believe that he'd ever have to suffer through another case like that, so is concerned when evidence links a number of murders and home invasions together. Soon they are on the trail of a prolific attacker, with a variety of different tactics for his crimes, who is dubbed "The Night Stalker" by the press.
The show is focused more on Salerno and Garrillo and their investigation - than on Richard Ramirez himself. He doesn't make any form of appearance until the final episode, which focuses on his capture, trial and incarceration. There are interviews with the pair of detectives, who breakdown their personal and professional experiences across the timeline of Ramirez's crimes. There are interviews with survivors, or the families of survivors, in that sense, it was very thorough. It pointed out a couple of occasions when opportunities to save lives were thwarted by infighting between the different departments, or cities, and though Frank and Gil are the stars of the documentary, it's a San Francisco cop who all but admits to beating Ramirez's name out of someone who knew him. He's then identified and captured by members of the public, rather than the Sheriffs.
There were some technical aspects of the documentary that I didn't like. They use a CGI Map of Los Angeles to show the locations of the crimes which is all but useless to anyone who doesn't already have a working knowledge of the layout of the county. I never understood the distances involved. I felt, though I am not squeamish, that occasionally the crime scene photography was a bit much and that the reconstruction moments were hit a bit too often (that bouncing bloody hammer is shown at least twice in every episode).
I too think I would have preferred a bit more about Ramirez and the arrest and trial, perhaps another episode on that and one less about the crime spree and the detectives would have been a better balance - but, on the whole, I thought the series was decent if a little confused as to it's overall point.
Great documentary
Calicodreamin14 January 2021
A great doc on the LA Night Stalker. I appreciate the decision to keep the focus on the detectives and victims rather than the killer. The story had good flow and an even mix of archival footage and interviews. The cinematography was vivid and paired well with the music to hold attention throughout.
"See You in Disneyland"
yelizva-890-80509814 January 2021
Very disturbing/ well made documentary from Netflix.
" A soul driven by the devil cannot be rescued. "
It was an emotional rollercoaster to go through the burglaries, assaults, murders and witnessing the still terror in the survivors eyes despite it has been decades since then.
You'll hate him for all the pain he has caused to people. Regardless, this mini series will open up the doors to hell and tell you a real story of how cruel a soul can get. Worth binge watching? Definitely.
" A soul driven by the devil cannot be rescued. "
It was an emotional rollercoaster to go through the burglaries, assaults, murders and witnessing the still terror in the survivors eyes despite it has been decades since then.
You'll hate him for all the pain he has caused to people. Regardless, this mini series will open up the doors to hell and tell you a real story of how cruel a soul can get. Worth binge watching? Definitely.
In depth and very well done
DebraIonaVogel14 January 2021
This is a fascinating examination of how Richard Ramirez, The Night Stalker, was caught.
We meet the lead Los Angeles detectives Frank Salerno and Gil Carillo. We learn their background and their extraordinary talents as detectives, the lengths they went to. The toll it took on them physically, professionally and personally as they rarely slept...just worked this case.
There are more crimes that we knew about, we hear about them here in heart-breaking and shocking detail from the living victims, in some cases, themselves. We're introduced to family members of the victims, in news clips then and now.
It's graphic, be warned.
Richard Ramirez was personified evil. This docuseries ended on the absolutely perfect note. It was haunting.
We meet the lead Los Angeles detectives Frank Salerno and Gil Carillo. We learn their background and their extraordinary talents as detectives, the lengths they went to. The toll it took on them physically, professionally and personally as they rarely slept...just worked this case.
There are more crimes that we knew about, we hear about them here in heart-breaking and shocking detail from the living victims, in some cases, themselves. We're introduced to family members of the victims, in news clips then and now.
It's graphic, be warned.
Richard Ramirez was personified evil. This docuseries ended on the absolutely perfect note. It was haunting.
A better than average series.
SpacemanBob16 January 2021
I've seen a few documentaries on Richard Ramirez that were kind of the usual formula. This film differs being largely centered around the two main investigators and their perspective. The pressure they faced, and the mistakes they made. Added to that, plenty of people who lived through this era are interviewed; the media, family members of the victims, and the victims who survived. There's also nice use of old news footage.
Admittedly, the series is not perfect. It doesn't go into much about Ramirez' motivation, his background, or his psychological issues. Despite that, if your a true crime aficionado, you should find this film to your liking. Seeing and hearing from so many credible people directly involved in the case is not the usual. That's where the series succeeds, and why I give it my recommendation.
Admittedly, the series is not perfect. It doesn't go into much about Ramirez' motivation, his background, or his psychological issues. Despite that, if your a true crime aficionado, you should find this film to your liking. Seeing and hearing from so many credible people directly involved in the case is not the usual. That's where the series succeeds, and why I give it my recommendation.
Voices of the vicim's families and detectives
nynaqih18 January 2021
As a true crime enthusiast I've watched a lot of true crime documentaries and this one blew me away. One of the main concerns in these types of series is that you don't idealize the murderer or minimalist the victims, and they did an amazing job of talking about the victims. You hear from the families and what this case was really about.
Incompetence everywhere
kindersurprise100018 January 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Interesting short series. It makes me sad to see how many people died because of simple incompetence. Situation with a dentist, Dianne Feinstein, etc. this creep wasn't even hiding and it took forever to catch him.
Too much focus on the wrong people!
EhCasabianca8 January 2022
Warning: Spoilers
The subject matter is absolutely shocking and horrifying. The documentary did a good job capturing that dread feeling of those killings in L. A. throughout. But way too much time was spent on the 'lead' detectives Gil Carrillo and Frank Salerno, their back stories, how supposedly hard they worked, etc. All completely irrelevant to the show, and quite ironic since they had almost nothing to do with the capture of this monster Richard Ramirez. If this guy had not gone to San Francisco to continue his murderous spree, it's doubtful if those inept police in L. A. would ever have caught him, and he would have continued his murderous spree at will. Would have like to have known a bit more of the back story of this monster that was only shown in passing.
Excellent documentary about the night stalker Richard Ramirez. Be warned that it contains graphic content.
Cinemaniac198419 January 2021
Night Stalker: The Hunt For a Serial Killer helped me rediscover my interest in true crime stories since I was 16, especially about serial killers. I've heard about Richard Ramirez known as the Night Stalker before and although I've read about him, I've never known the full story. When Night Stalker was released on Netflix, I was immediately intrigued.
Night Stalker focused on the murders and sexual assaults that Richard Ramirez committed for over a year in Los Angeles in the mid 1980's. It was really horrific hearing about the details about the victims and the crimes that occurred. It felt like a real life horror movie was unfolding in the city as residents were terrified that this killer would strike again, and the police were working around the clock to find him.
The documentary also features interviews with Los Angeles County Sheriff Homicide detectives Gil Carrillo and Frank Salerno who were the main investigators as well as various reporters and journalists that covered the crimes committed by Richard Ramirez. The surviving victims and relatives of the murdered victims are also interviewed. Crime scene photos, news footage, and various videos are also shown.
Richard Ramirez was someone that epitomised true evil. It was a relief that he was finally arrested and convicted of 13 counts of murder, 5 accounts of murder, and many counts of rape and sexual assaults. He was given the death penalty where he sat on death row until he died of cancer in 2013.
Night Stalker contains graphic content that may be disturbing to some viewers. It's certainly not for everyone.
Overall I thought it was an excellent documentary and I enjoyed it, despite finding some of the content a little unsettling at times. But I recommend it for those with an interest in true crime stories or anyone intrigued about serial killers.
8/10.
Night Stalker focused on the murders and sexual assaults that Richard Ramirez committed for over a year in Los Angeles in the mid 1980's. It was really horrific hearing about the details about the victims and the crimes that occurred. It felt like a real life horror movie was unfolding in the city as residents were terrified that this killer would strike again, and the police were working around the clock to find him.
The documentary also features interviews with Los Angeles County Sheriff Homicide detectives Gil Carrillo and Frank Salerno who were the main investigators as well as various reporters and journalists that covered the crimes committed by Richard Ramirez. The surviving victims and relatives of the murdered victims are also interviewed. Crime scene photos, news footage, and various videos are also shown.
Richard Ramirez was someone that epitomised true evil. It was a relief that he was finally arrested and convicted of 13 counts of murder, 5 accounts of murder, and many counts of rape and sexual assaults. He was given the death penalty where he sat on death row until he died of cancer in 2013.
Night Stalker contains graphic content that may be disturbing to some viewers. It's certainly not for everyone.
Overall I thought it was an excellent documentary and I enjoyed it, despite finding some of the content a little unsettling at times. But I recommend it for those with an interest in true crime stories or anyone intrigued about serial killers.
8/10.
A chilling story that needed to be told
GomezAddams66614 January 2021
Netflix is suddenly becoming the place to go for true crime documentaries, and Night Stalker was just another great entry into their library.
The docuseries is partly narrated by the homicide detectives assigned to a case of grisly murders, rapes and kidnappings that later became the Nigh Stalker case, Frank Salerno and his partner, Gilbert Carrillo take the audience into a very detailed and gruesome roller coaster of emotions as the events unfold, and these seasoned detectives dig painful memories that puts them back again in the middle of one of the most graphic and brutal crime sprees the United States has ever seen.
The stories do not feel exploitative, because even though they reveal gruesome information about the crimes, the producers take the time to introduce the victims and survivors as human beings, and not just another number. I respect that a lot.
That said, this Netflix Original is not for the faint of heart, like many true crime stories it is one that needs to be told, so the victims and survivors not be forgotten, and the gore is used for the audience to understand what this serial killer was capable of.
The docuseries is partly narrated by the homicide detectives assigned to a case of grisly murders, rapes and kidnappings that later became the Nigh Stalker case, Frank Salerno and his partner, Gilbert Carrillo take the audience into a very detailed and gruesome roller coaster of emotions as the events unfold, and these seasoned detectives dig painful memories that puts them back again in the middle of one of the most graphic and brutal crime sprees the United States has ever seen.
The stories do not feel exploitative, because even though they reveal gruesome information about the crimes, the producers take the time to introduce the victims and survivors as human beings, and not just another number. I respect that a lot.
That said, this Netflix Original is not for the faint of heart, like many true crime stories it is one that needs to be told, so the victims and survivors not be forgotten, and the gore is used for the audience to understand what this serial killer was capable of.
Interesting interviews, overly stylized
sf192716 January 2021
The slo-mo blood soaked hammer is a sign of things to come. A lot of the graphics, footage and photos were manufactured, staged or unnecessary. Seems like they were really trying to be auteurs with the presentation when the subjects, the detectives, are better when just left to tell their story. The bar scenes reused for all policemen seemed like they were forcing some aesthetic that didn't need to be done.
Makes You Wonder How They Caught Him
resukcs24 January 2021
Warning: Spoilers
A good doc and it really highlights some of the issues in the investigation. LAPD's lack of follow up on the impounded car and pulling two detectives from the dental office should have led to several firings. Feinstein's news conference where she divulges inside info shows her stupidity. And Laurel Ericson's threat to expose unreleased evidence and insensitive remarks about the case ("we're in the game now") show just what a sleazebag she was. Still don't know why they couldn't track the shoes since there was only one retailer in LA and an additional 5 pairs distributed in AZ.
The stylization is a bit of an overkill but an interesting documentary regardless! [+64%]
arungeorge1316 June 2021
This Netflix docuseries gets its atmospherics somewhat right. At the centre, we have a very likeable family-man cop Gil Carrillo and his legendary partner Frank Salerno narrating the incidents that led to the eventual reveal and arrest of serial killer Richard Ramirez. The series dives deep into the queasy bits of each crime, the photographs of which are showcased in graphic detail. While the series remains gripping overall, the editing (in places), the recreation of crime scenes, the excessive slow-motion frames and over-the-top stylization in the first couple of episodes are noticeable drawbacks.
We get to hear from the family members of the victims and also, some of the survivors themselves. Meshing their accounts with that of Gil's and Salerno's detective instincts bring the puzzle pieces together though it feels like they repeat certain things to really drive the point home (like the Avia shoes, for instance). The final episode is where the focus finally falls on Richard, but the makers do not spend much time on his backstory and criminal psyche. The emotional trauma left behind by the crimes and their subsequent investigation is, however, tackled quite well. The media vs. Cops angle also adds to its intrigue. The length is just about right - it's 4 episodes long - not draggy at all.
We get to hear from the family members of the victims and also, some of the survivors themselves. Meshing their accounts with that of Gil's and Salerno's detective instincts bring the puzzle pieces together though it feels like they repeat certain things to really drive the point home (like the Avia shoes, for instance). The final episode is where the focus finally falls on Richard, but the makers do not spend much time on his backstory and criminal psyche. The emotional trauma left behind by the crimes and their subsequent investigation is, however, tackled quite well. The media vs. Cops angle also adds to its intrigue. The length is just about right - it's 4 episodes long - not draggy at all.
Good story about the events
faithless473417 January 2021
This is a fantastic look at what (basically) goes into most murder investigation but more specifically what goes into a serial killer investigation. Love that the focus is on the investigation and the victims and not completely centered on the killer.
Focus on detectives, skims the surface on the
gamerz-1804217 January 2021
The time line is well put together but slightly rushed, skimming the surface over the saga.
The focus is on the police across states working find the killer. Nothing particularly revealing, just basic data collection and murder scene examination.
In the end we have no real background info on the killer or his motives, except that he was surprisingly good looking, yet devoted to being wicked and evil.
The focus is on the police across states working find the killer. Nothing particularly revealing, just basic data collection and murder scene examination.
In the end we have no real background info on the killer or his motives, except that he was surprisingly good looking, yet devoted to being wicked and evil.
New take on old story
shaneandamy-1962914 January 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I really thought this was awesome. I have seen many docs and movies about this serial killer. The perspective of the detectives and the survivors and witnesses is something I have never heard before. It really is a great watch. I was 20 in 1985 and lived in so cal in Ventura county. It was a total relief the night he was caught. Watching this makes you realize the work that went into catching him and just even finding out who he was and his name. Forensics have come so so far since then. This was engaging and fascinating imo.
Interesting, but drawn out.
jfh-7232015 January 2021
It's not as graphic as everyone makes it out to be. There are crime shows all over TV, now, that show much the same.
It is interesting, but they dragged it out to make it more dramatic. They also were trying to inflate the miler to another level. It could have easily been done in one or two less episodes. Too much time spent on personalizing the police and families involved to humanize them all. The same story could have been told without all that, with the same result. Their personal lives don't add value in telling the story of what happen. Just focus on the details, the sequence of events, and investigation. Too slow with too much fill.
Clearly screen time, for those involved, was an objective here.
It is interesting, but they dragged it out to make it more dramatic. They also were trying to inflate the miler to another level. It could have easily been done in one or two less episodes. Too much time spent on personalizing the police and families involved to humanize them all. The same story could have been told without all that, with the same result. Their personal lives don't add value in telling the story of what happen. Just focus on the details, the sequence of events, and investigation. Too slow with too much fill.
Clearly screen time, for those involved, was an objective here.
Ok, but unnecessary puffing up at the expense of facts
maki-j-717 January 2021
A gripping series.
Sleepin_Dragon12 February 2021
This is tremendous four part documentary series, it tells the story of one of America's most notorious and sadistic serial killers.
You see the case from the point of view of The Detectives, the victims, and finally the killer himself.
I thought this was a terrific series, it was gripping, it was gritty, it was done in a way that was meant to shock, and meant to show you just what a beast Ramirez was.
One of the most impressive people throughout this series has been Anastasia, I cannot believe her attitude, and her final statement about not letting the crime against her define her, and her refusal to live as a victim.
I'll leave my final comment to the killer, one of the most sadistic killers of all, the variety crimes that he committed. As is so often the case you visualise the bogeyman, but when you see Ramirez, he's not what you expect. Those eyes though.
An excellent watch, 9/10.
You see the case from the point of view of The Detectives, the victims, and finally the killer himself.
I thought this was a terrific series, it was gripping, it was gritty, it was done in a way that was meant to shock, and meant to show you just what a beast Ramirez was.
One of the most impressive people throughout this series has been Anastasia, I cannot believe her attitude, and her final statement about not letting the crime against her define her, and her refusal to live as a victim.
I'll leave my final comment to the killer, one of the most sadistic killers of all, the variety crimes that he committed. As is so often the case you visualise the bogeyman, but when you see Ramirez, he's not what you expect. Those eyes though.
An excellent watch, 9/10.
Netflix does it again
Leofwine_draca9 February 2021
Warning: Spoilers
NIGHT STALKER is the latest Netflix miniseries exploring a serial killer, this time around the infamous Richard Ramirez who stalked Los Angeles in 1985. It's graphic, disturbing and chilling throughout, and it adopts a resolutely non-sensational approach which works well. At just four episodes the narrative sometimes feels a little rushed, but this is because the killer was so prolific. It's certainly no holds barred and upsetting, one of the most shocking cases I've ever encountered, and yet testament to the courage and perseverance of both the investigating cops and those who managed to survive their encounters with one very sick individual.
See also
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