Who is Doreen Lioy? All About the Ex-Wife of Serial Killer Richard Ramirez

Doreen Lioy has been no stranger to public controversy, being the unusual wife of notorious serial killer Richard Ramirez. While Ramirez was imprisoned as a single man, Lioy chose to marry him in 1996, a decision that caused her to become estranged from her family. Over the years, she sent him a staggering 75 love letters while he was incarcerated.

Despite the isolated and lonely life she led as the spouse of a death row prisoner, Lioy vehemently believed in Richard’s innocence. She described him as funny and always good to her, adamantly refuting the claims of his involvement in the heinous crimes for which he was convicted.

Originally a magazine editor from California, USA, Doreen Lioy gained notoriety as the ex-wife of Richard Ramirez, infamously known as the “Valley Intruder” and “Night Stalker” in the media. Their strange relationship captivated the public’s attention, leading to significant media scrutiny over the years.

Who is Doreen Lioy?

Doreen Lioy is an American citizen, born in Burbank, California, USA. While not much is publicly known about her age, she is recognized for her profession as a magazine editor.

However, she gained significant attention for her association with the infamous serial killer Richard Ramirez, who was responsible for a series of home invasion crimes from 1984 to 1985, earning him the moniker “Night Stalker.” Doreen Lioy became widely known as Richard Ramirez’s ex-wife.

Education and Career

Born in 1955 in Burbank, California, Doreen Lioy’s early life remains shrouded in mystery as there is limited public information about her childhood and upbringing. She displayed academic prowess and decided to venture into the field of journalism, where she achieved notable success.

In the late 1970s, Lioy commenced her career as an editor at the American magazine company, Tiger Beat. During her time there, she had the opportunity to interact with and support emerging celebrities, playing a role in their development. One such individual was American actor and producer, John Stamos, who acknowledged Doreen Lioy’s influence in his rise to stardom. Stamos described her as a “very lonely woman” in his recollections.

Doreen Lioy’s Wedding with Richard Ramirez

Doreen Lioy’s wedding with Richard Ramirez was a perplexing and controversial affair. Despite Ramirez’s arrest and conviction for horrific crimes, including mutilation and murder, Lioy found herself attracted to him and firmly believed in his innocence. She was unfazed by his avowed Satanism, even when he proclaimed “Hail Satan” during his first court appearance.

Among the many admirers who wrote love letters to Ramirez, Doreen Lioy stood out as one of the most devoted. Over a span of 11 years, she sent him 75 love letters and defended him vehemently in public and during interviews. She described him as kind, funny, and charming, declaring him to be her best friend.

Even after Ramirez was sentenced to death by the Jury on November 7, 1989, Lioy remained a frequent visitor at San Quentin State Prison. She visited him about four times a week and was often the first in line. Despite facing criticism and public anger, Doreen remained steadfast in her desire to marry Ramirez.

On October 3, 1996, she finally obtained permission from prison staff to marry him. On their wedding day, she gifted herself a gold band and presented a platinum ring to Richard Ramirez, making it a memorable occasion in her unwavering dedication to their relationship.

Richard Ramirez’s Devoted Wife

Doreen Lioy, Richard Ramirez’s wife, became well-known during his trial. Despite the serious murder charges he faced, she fell in love with him and was willing to make significant sacrifices, even losing her family for their relationship.

Throughout their time together, Doreen steadfastly stood by her husband, supporting him during the longest periods of his legal battles. As a journalist, she utilized her skills to advocate for his release, despite the outcome turning out differently than she had hoped. Her dedication to Richard remained a prominent aspect of their tumultuous and controversial relationship.

What has Lioy said about being married to a serial killer?

In a 1996 interview with the Examiner, then known as Doreen Ramirez, Lioy openly professed her love for Richard Ramirez, stating that she loved him “more than anything in the world.” Throughout their years as husband and wife, she continued to ardently declare her affection for the infamous Night Stalker, emphasizing that he was kind, funny, and charming. To her, Richard was not just a husband, but also her best friend and buddy.

Lioy’s ability to love a convicted murderer was based on her unwavering belief in his innocence. She had complete faith in him and stood by his side, even during his incarceration on death row. Though being married to a death row inmate led to a lonely lifestyle, depriving her of the possibility of having a family due to the absence of conjugal visits, Lioy appeared content with her choice and found fulfillment in being with Richard.

Where is Doreen Lioy today?

The current whereabouts of Doreen Lioy remain a mystery to the public. After separating from her husband, she managed to maintain a low profile, keeping away from the limelight and any social media presence. Although it is believed that she is alive and residing somewhere in the US, she has deliberately kept her life private and away from the negative publicity.

Doreen Lioy passionately advocated for the release of her husband, believing in his innocence for a long time. Their relationship ultimately did not endure, and they spent several years apart before Richard Ramirez’s death in 2013 due to complications from B-cell lymphoma.

The exact reasons behind their separation are not clear, but it is speculated that Lioy struggled to reconcile with Ramirez’s heinous crimes, including the murder of a 9-year-old girl in 1984. Prior to her association with Ramirez, Doreen lived a normal life, making her decision to marry him and support him during his imprisonment puzzling to many.