Throughout history, some of the world’s most notorious serial killers have drawn romantic attention, even after their heinous crimes were exposed. From Ted Bundy to Richard Ramirez, these men—locked away for unspeakable acts—still managed to captivate and attract devoted partners. But what compels someone to pledge their love and loyalty to a known murderer?

In this episode, we dive into one of the most infamous cases of romantic obsession with a serial killer: the story of Doreen Lioy and Richard Ramirez, also known as "The Night Stalker." Despite overwhelming evidence of his brutal crimes, Lioy became Ramirez’s fiercest defender and ultimately married him while he was on death row. Was her devotion fueled by a misguided belief in redemption, a deep psychological compulsion, or something even darker?

Join us as we explore the unsettling psychology behind these relationships, the societal fascination with dangerous men, and the mystery of why some women choose to look past the horrors to see someone they deem worthy of love.

Once Upon a Crime episode, Infamous Locales: The Cecil Hotel - Part 1.

https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/s2-ep91-infamous-locales-the-cecil-hotel-part-1/

Sources:

Carlo, Philip. The Life and Crimes of Richard Ramirez, The Night Stalker. New York: Citadel Press, 2006.

https://people.com/where-is-night-stalker-richard-ramirez-wife-now-8759972

https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/stalker-s-bride-3121711.php

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So…I Married a Serial Killer - Mrs. Richard Ramirez