Final answer:
Richard Ramirez's trial started on July 22, 1988, after he was charged with numerous counts including murder and sexual assault. The trial captured widespread attention due to the horrific nature of his crimes, resulting in his conviction and death sentence.
Step-by-step explanation:
The trial of Richard Ramirez, widely known as the "Night Stalker," began on July 22, 1988. Ramirez was charged with 13 counts of murder, five attempted murders, 11 sexual assaults, and 14 burglaries. These charges stemmed from a series of crimes committed between 1984 and 1985. The trial was a heavily publicized event due to the gruesome nature of the crimes and the terror that Ramirez had instilled in the residents of California. After a lengthy jury selection process, and a trial that lasted over a year, Ramirez was ultimately convicted on September 20, 1989, and was sentenced to death.