Breaking Down the True Crime Elements of Maxxxine: What You Should Know About Mia Goth’s Film
Disclaimer: This article contains mentions of sexual assault.
MaXXXine is the latest movie in the X franchise, following X and Pearl released in 2022. The film continues the story years later, focusing on Maxine Minx (Mia Goth), a former core character in X who is now an adult film actress trying to make it big in Hollywood.
Set in Los Angeles in 1985, the movie features a dark subplot: as Maxine pursues stardom, she becomes the target of a mid-1980s serial killer who haunted Los Angeles.
This killer, who brought terror to California, is Richard Ramirez, also known as the “Walk-In Killer” and the “Valley Intruder.” From April 1984 to August of the following year, Ramirez committed at least 14 murders and numerous sexual assaults. He earned the moniker “Night Stalker” for his nighttime home invasions, entering through unlocked doors and windows.
Although Mia Goth clarified that MaXXXine is not based on true events, incorporating elements of the Ramirez case adds a sense of reality to the film. “It connects back to reality,” Goth said. “Instead of just a typical horror movie, it has a foundation in something real.”
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The Night Stalker’s reign of terror and capture
Richard Ramirez, born in El Paso, Texas in 1960, came from a troubled background. After being arrested for car theft in Los Angeles, his fingerprints were taken, crucial in his later identification.
Ramirez’s first known murder was of 79-year-old Jennie Vincow in June 1984. His attacks escalated throughout 1985, with multiple victims within a short period of time.
Ramirez’s indiscriminate targeting made it challenging for authorities to track him down. His victims varied in age, gender, and background, making it difficult to establish a pattern.
Eventually, Ramirez was convicted on multiple counts of assault, murder, and burglary. His DNA was linked to a 1984 child murder years later.
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Richard Ramirez and the satanic panic: How the Night Stalker terrorized LA with devil worship
Ramirez claimed to commit his crimes in the name of Satan, drawing pentagrams and forcing victims to swear to Satan. His actions coincided with a period of widespread fear about Satanism.
During his trial, Ramirez’s victims recounted how he invoked Satan and demanded their allegiance to him. The fear surrounding Satanism likely played a role in Ramirez’s tactics.
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How locals helped capture the Night Stalker: The pursuit and arrest of Richard Ramirez in 1985
As Ramirez’s attacks continued, public vigilance and evidence gathering aided in his eventual capture. Locals recognized him, leading to his arrest.
Ramirez’s distinct patterns, such as leaving shoe prints and stealing cars, helped in his identification. A clue from a witness in San Francisco eventually led to his arrest.
After his photo was circulated, locals in Boyle Heights apprehended Ramirez before the police arrived.
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Richard Ramirez was found guilty on all counts in 1989; died on death row in 2013
In 1989, Ramirez was convicted on all charges and received the death penalty. He died in prison in 2013 from cancer and hepatitis C.
One of Ramirez’s victims expressed relief at the justice served in his case.
Richard Ramirez’s infamous legacy explored in multiple documentaries and dramatized stories
Several documentaries and dramatizations have explored Richard Ramirez’s story. Netflix’s Night Stalker docuseries and various TV shows have delved into his crimes and capture.
Lou Diamond Phillips portrayed Ramirez in a TV film, showcasing the complexity of the role and Ramirez’s legacy in true crime storytelling.
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