Final answer:
Richard Ramirez was found guilty in 1989 after a lengthy and complex trial that involved multiple counts of murder and sexual assault. His sentencing was a significant event in U.S. criminal justice history.
Step-by-step explanation:
Richard Ramirez, known as the "Night Stalker," was found guilty on September 20, 1989. His trial was one of the most difficult and complex in the history of American criminal justice system due to the number of crimes committed including 13 counts of murder, 5 attempt to murders, 11 no. of sexual assaults, and 14 burglaries. The case attracted national attention both for the brutality of the crimes and the numerous legal proceedings.
His conviction underscored the challenges involved in a large-scale criminal trial, spanning a vast array of charges. Despite the overwhelming evidence, including fingerprint analyses and survivor testimonies, the procedure drawn out over the years reflects the legal system’s commitment to a fair trial regardless of the notoriety of the crime. Ramirez's sentencing also made a profound impact on the public's perception of the criminal justice system's handling of such high-profile and heinous crimes.