Over the weekend, I looked on Netflix for something to watch and saw yet another true crime original series available for viewing. This one focused on the case of the infamous Night Stalker; a man who spent over 150 days baffling Californian authorities due to his apparent random selection of victims and attacks.
The Night Stalker would murder some of those whose houses he crept into during the early hours, whilst others he would allow to live. He would also kidnap children, sexually assault them and then abandon them on the side of the road or at a gas station where they’d be able to call for help and be reunited with their families.
He was undoubtedly one of the most terrifying serial killers in American criminal history; so why did women flock to support him during his trial and throughout his time on Death Row? The answer is probably closer to home than many of us think.
If you’re reading this story, you’ve probably got a fascination with true crime. It’s not the most glamorous subject in the world, so why do we love it so much? What is it about the deadly stories told that piques our interest? It’s a discussion that often goes unheard; especially when it comes to romanticising criminals. Just look at how they’re portrayed in Hollywood.
The Night Stalker Richard Ramirez isn't some strange blip in the system. He's just one of many extremely violent men who have been lavished with attention by women following their arrest. Ted Bundy, Jeffrey Dahmer and even Christopher Watts - the latter of whom murdered his pregnant wife and two daughters in 2018 - are all known to have received gifts and letters of support, as well as full-blown declarations of love.
Over three decades ago, Sheila Isenberg released her book Women Who Love Men Who Kill, hoping to shine a light on the reasons behind females getting involved with those behind bars. She claimed that every woman interviewed for that book had been abused in their past.
So, she surmised that in attempting to start a relationship with a man who was locked up, they were reclaiming their power and taking the reins of a situation that, if on the outside world, they would undoubtedly be on the bottom of.
A new second edition of Isenberg's book is set to release in Spring 2021!
Dr. Todd Grande has spoken about the subject on his YouTube channel in a 20-minute video that serves as some very interesting viewing, as he offers a number of different reasons as to why women’s fascination with murderers happens.
Ranging from a real belief of the man’s innocence, to the thoughts that being in a relationship with such a person who was locked up would keep them safe, there’s a lot of food for thought.
You can check the video out below:
Whatever you choose to believe, the very fact that we as humans still have it in us to find attraction in the worst of humanity is an extremely troubling concept indeed.
Night Stalker: The Hunt For A Serial Killer is available now on Netflix.
Tagged in Netflix True Crime