A district attorney argued that a man convicted of heinous crimes against his children remains a danger to society despite being diagnosed with dementia.
Ramiro Ruiz, who was sentenced to 85 years to life in 1998 for repeatedly raping, sodomizing, and drugging his children while chaining them up, is at the center of a legal battle over his potential release. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) recently petitioned a Madera County court to free Ruiz before his death, citing his advanced age and deteriorating health.
Prosecuting Attorney Eric DuTemple opposed the request, calling Ruiz a “monster” who remains a threat. “This guy was clearly a monster then, and he’s a monster now,” DuTemple stated. He referenced the probation court’s description of Ruiz as a “sadistic pedophile” during his original sentencing.
The victims, aged 5 to 15, included one developmentally disabled child. Ruiz was previously diagnosed with sexual sadism disorder and pedophilic disorder. District Attorney Sally Moreno warned that his release could pose risks, arguing that his age does not eliminate his capacity to harm children. “He does have an advanced age — I believe he’s 86 — but that doesn’t mean he’s incapable of maneuvering or manipulating a 2- or 3- or 4-year-old child,” she said.
The judge rejected the CDCR’s request, emphasizing that Ruiz’s behavior in prison did not mitigate his potential danger. “People were sentenced for their crimes… and victims were given assurances about the defendant’s sentence,” Moreno added.
Defense attorney Aaron Montoya indicated the team may refile the compassionate release petition.
