Expendable For A Cause.

The Archives

As many of you know, our unrelenting pursuit of the truth in the case of The People of California v. Richard Ramirez led us to the Los Angeles Archives and Records Center (ARC) last October, where we discovered numerous legal documents have been kept hidden deep within the Archives for decades. There are at least nine volumes of files containing hundreds of pages of trial documents, with many more reportedly on microfilm. During our visit, we were allowed to view and make copies of six volumes of trial documents, but only after the staff removed anything they deemed inaccessible, which was quite a bit of material. One might imagine that obtaining these documents, which are indeed public records, would be a simple endeavor. Yet, as with many facets of the Ramirez case, simplicity remains a rare and elusive quality. Nevertheless, we were not content with only having access to 6 of the 9 files, so we mailed a request for copies of volumes 4, 5, and 6, the files that we couldn’t examine while at the ARC due to time constraints. Two months later, we received a notification stating that our check was insufficient to cover the extensive number of copies. We were informed that we needed to submit a new request with additional funds. We promptly did so.

Delay Tactics

Another three months passed without any updates, so I contacted the ARC. I was assured that they were actively working on the request and that the large number of documents was the reason for the delay and would take additional time to process. Finally, a few weeks later, I checked my mailbox and noted a somewhat large envelope from the ARC. Although the envelope was large, I immediately realized it contained very few documents. Upon opening it, I felt a surge of annoyance and frustration. What they sent mainly consisted of copies of the trial minutes—essentially a list of who was present in court that day and notes about continuances-the information is so sparse it hardly scratches the surface of what’s likely in the files.

After gathering my composure, I called the ARC to speak with the person who handled my request. For the sake of anonymity, let’s call her “Sandy.” When Sandy answered, she mentioned that she had sent all the information that was publicly available and had even had to redact the juror names from some of the documents she had sent. I replied, “No, Sandy, you didn’t need to redact the juror names, as those have been public record since the trial concluded in 1989.” I wondered what other information Sandy might have withheld due to her lack of understanding about what constitutes a public record. I then asked to speak with someone I had talked to previously who seemed more knowledgeable; we’ll refer to her as “Lily.” Lily advised me to submit yet another request along with the necessary funds to cover the costs of copies, assuring me she would review the files to see if she could provide anything beyond the trial minutes. Many months have passed, and the waiting continues.

The documents from a trial that took place 36 years ago remain locked away in the confines of the Los Angeles Archives and Records Center. A crucial question demands an answer: why is it so challenging to access the Ramirez trial documents? Are the files deliberately being suppressed from the public? Considering what we encountered during our visit to the archives and the difficulties we are having in obtaining the 3 remaining volumes, there appears to be a concerted effort to keep these files hidden from the public. Has a notorious detective, renowned for weaving deception and misinformation around the Ramirez case, taken steps to ensure these records remain nearly impossible to obtain?

California Public Records

The California Public Records Act, the state equivalent of the Freedom of Information Act, mandates the public disclosure of government records. This law is supposed to ensure citizens can access information about government actions, promoting transparency and accountability. While it applies to all state and local agencies, certain exemptions exist to safeguard privacy and ensure safety. Records excluded from disclosure include attorney-client communications, ongoing investigations or litigation documents, and certain law enforcement records. An agency must provide a valid justification for withholding a record and demonstrate that not disclosing it serves the public interest.

It’s important to note that violating the California Public Records Act is technically considered a misdemeanor, and individuals have the right to file a complaint against agencies that unjustly deny access to public records. Since the Ramirez files are no longer part of any ongoing investigation or litigation, these records should be available to the public, with some minor redactions to protect personal information such as addresses and phone numbers. If we continue to be denied access to the trial documents, pursuing legal recourse may be a necessary strategy. The truth has been concealed for far too long.

Attempting to access the Ramirez trial documents is reminiscent of a scene from Harry Potter, where characters venture into the depths of Gringotts to retrieve a Horcrux, only to face a fire-breathing dragon and insurmountable obstacles. It seems as if the Ramirez files are ensconced behind an impenetrable wall of bureaucratic barriers and excuses, obstructing our path to uncovering the truth and accessing the information we have a right to. But we will not be deterred. Our determination to acquire the trial documents is unwavering and resolute. We refuse to allow Richard’s story to remain hidden. While it does not equate to justice, we are committed to rewriting the narrative based on material facts and evidence, allowing the truth to shine through. In doing so, the authentic story of Richard Ramirez will finally be told.

*I apologize to anyone who does not understand the Harry Potter reference*

KayCee