Doreen Lioy: Wife of Serial Killer Richard Ramirez

Doreen Lioy is a name that has been surrounded by curiosity and controversy. She is widely known for her relationship with Richard Ramirez, the infamous serial killer dubbed the “Night Stalker.” 

Despite his horrific crimes, Lioy stood by him, defending him in public and even marrying him while he was on death row. Her story is one of obsession, loyalty, and mystery. This article explores her life in detail, covering her early years, career, personal choices, and her current status.

Who is Doreen Lioy?

Doreen Lioy is an American woman best known for her controversial marriage to Richard Ramirez. She gained public attention due to her unwavering support for him, despite his conviction for 13 murders, attempted murders, sexual assaults, and burglaries in the 1980s. Lioy was a magazine editor and had no criminal background, making her infatuation with a notorious killer a subject of intrigue.

Her relationship with Ramirez led to estrangement from her family and friends. Many people struggled to understand how a well-educated woman with a successful career could fall in love with a man convicted of such heinous crimes.

Doreen Lioy’s Age

Doreen Lioy was born on March 1, 1955. As of 2025, she is 69 years old. Her life took an unexpected turn when she became involved with Richard Ramirez, leading her down a path that isolated her from her loved ones and reshaped her entire existence.

Doreen Lioy’s Early Life

Lioy was born and raised in Burbank, California. She had a relatively normal upbringing and was known to be a bright and ambitious young woman. She reportedly had a twin sister named Denise, but her family has chosen to distance themselves from her following her marriage to Ramirez.

As a child, Lioy showed a strong interest in journalism. She was actively involved in school newspapers and yearbooks, which eventually led her to pursue a career in media. She was considered a hardworking and intelligent woman, making her eventual choices all the more surprising to those who knew her.

Doreen Lioy’s Career

Lioy worked as a magazine editor for Tiger Beat, a popular teen magazine in the 1980s. Her role involved working closely with rising stars in Hollywood, and she was known for helping promote the career of actor John Stamos.

Despite her success, her career took a backseat once she became obsessed with Richard Ramirez. She wrote him over 75 letters before they officially met in prison. Over time, her personal life became defined by her relationship with Ramirez rather than her professional achievements.

Her decision to devote herself to Ramirez not only impacted her reputation but also her relationships within the industry. Many found it difficult to comprehend her deep belief in his innocence, especially considering the overwhelming evidence against him.

Doreen Lioy’s Height

There is no widely available record of Doreen Lioy’s exact height. However, she was often photographed visiting Ramirez in prison, where she appeared significantly shorter than him. Ramirez stood at around 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm), suggesting that Lioy was of average or below-average height in comparison.

Doreen Lioy’s Relationship with Richard Ramirez

Lioy first saw Richard Ramirez on television following his arrest in 1985. Something about his appearance and demeanor captivated her, and she began writing him letters in 1988. Over time, her admiration grew into love, and she became one of his most devoted supporters.

Lioy maintained that Ramirez was innocent despite overwhelming forensic and testimonial evidence proving otherwise. She stated publicly that he was her soulmate and that she would wait for him forever. In 1996, after an 11-year-long correspondence, she married him in San Quentin State Prison.

Her dedication to Ramirez was extreme. She vowed that if he was ever executed, she would take her own life. Despite this, her commitment wavered in later years.

Did Doreen Lioy Have Any Children?

Doreen Lioy did not have any children. Her relationship with Ramirez was conducted under strict prison regulations, meaning they never had a conventional married life. While there have been rumors and speculations, no credible sources have ever reported her having children, either with Ramirez or from a previous relationship.

Is Doreen Lioy Still Alive?

As of 2025, Doreen Lioy is believed to still be alive. However, she has completely withdrawn from public life following Richard Ramirez’s death in 2013.

Before his death, reports suggested that Lioy began distancing herself from him, especially after DNA evidence linked him to the 1984 murder of a 9-year-old girl. This revelation may have caused her to question his innocence, something she had fiercely defended for years.

After Ramirez died from complications related to B-cell lymphoma in 2013, Lioy disappeared from the public eye. She has not made any public statements, and her whereabouts remain largely unknown.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why did Doreen Lioy marry Richard Ramirez?

Doreen Lioy was deeply infatuated with Richard Ramirez and believed in his innocence despite overwhelming evidence. She corresponded with him for years before they married in 1996 while he was on death row.

2. Did Doreen Lioy ever believe Richard Ramirez was guilty?

For many years, Lioy staunchly defended Ramirez and insisted he was innocent. However, reports suggest that she began distancing herself after new DNA evidence linked him to additional crimes.

3. What happened to Doreen Lioy after Richard Ramirez’s death?

After Ramirez died in 2013, Lioy disappeared from the public eye. Her current whereabouts remain unknown, and she has not spoken publicly since his passing.

4. Did Doreen Lioy have any family?

Yes, Lioy had a family, including a twin sister named Denise. However, her relatives reportedly disowned her due to her relationship with Ramirez.

5. Where is Doreen Lioy now?

There is no confirmed information about Lioy’s current location. She has chosen to live a private life away from the media.

Conclusion

Doreen Lioy’s story is one of obsession, devotion, and ultimate disillusionment. She went from being a successful magazine editor to becoming one of the most infamous prison wives in history. Her relationship with Richard Ramirez cost her her reputation, her family, and her normal life.

Her unwavering belief in Ramirez, despite the horrific nature of his crimes, continues to baffle the public. Whether she truly believed he was innocent or was simply blinded by love remains a question that may never be answered. With her withdrawal from public life, the world may never fully understand the depths of her emotions or the reasons behind her choices.