Night Stalker Richard Ramirez, Serial Killer Serving Life, Dies at 53

The notorious serial killer known as the Night Stalker, Richard Ramirez, died early Friday in a hospital, a state Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation official said.

Ramirez, 53, "passed away this morning," San Quentin State Prison spokesman Lt. Sam Robinson told The Associated Press. No other details were released.

Ramirez had been taken from death row to Marin General Hospital, The Associated Press reported.

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Ramirez was convicted of 13 murders that terrorized Southern California in 1984 and 1985, and was sentenced to death.

Satanic symbols were left at murder scenes and some victims were forced to "swear to Satan" by the killer, who entered homes through unlocked windows and doors.

Ramirez was captured and beaten in 1985 by residents of an East Los Angeles neighborhood while attempting a carjacking.