Last Call: A True Story of Love, Lust, and Murder in Queer New York

The Townhouse Bar, midtown, July 1992: The piano player seems to know every song ever written, the crowd belts out the lyrics to their favorites, and a man standing nearby is drinking a Scotch and water. The Last Call Killer preyed upon gay men in New York in the 80s and 90s and had all the hallmarks of the most notorious serial killers. This gripping true-crime narrative tells the story of the Last Call Killer and the decades-long chase to find him.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 28 June 2022
Publisher: St Martin's Press

The Townhouse Bar, located in the heart of midtown, was a lively venue in July 1992. The piano player, with his remarkable talent, seemed to possess an encyclopedic knowledge of every song ever written, captivating the audience with his skillful interpretations. The crowd enthusiastically joined in, belting out the lyrics to their beloved favorites, creating a vibrant and energetic atmosphere. Amidst the revelry, a man standing nearby, adorned in a suit, savored a glass of Scotch and water, seemingly indifferent to the festivities around him. However, this seemingly ordinary man held a dark secret—he was none other than the Last Call Killer, a notorious serial killer who preyed upon gay men in New York during the 80s and 90s.

Despite his chilling crimes, the Last Call Killer's identity remained largely forgotten due to several factors. Firstly, his victims were predominantly members of the LGBTQ+ community, which faced significant discrimination and marginalization during that era. The high murder rates and the devastating impact of the AIDS epidemic further obscured the memory of his crimes, overshadowed by the broader societal concerns of the time. This gripping true-crime narrative delves into the story of the Last Call Killer and the decades-long pursuit to bring him to justice. It also offers a poignant portrayal of his victims and the resilient community they formed in the face of threat and adversity.

The Last Call Killer's modus operandi was characterized by meticulous planning and a calculated approach. He would carefully select his targets, often targeting gay men who frequented bars and clubs in the late hours of the night. He would strike up conversations with his victims, gaining their trust before attacking them in secluded areas or even their homes. His methods were brutal and sadistic, leaving his victims with severe physical and emotional scars.

The investigation into the Last Call Killer's crimes was a complex and challenging endeavor. Law enforcement agencies faced numerous obstacles, including a lack of cooperation from the LGBTQ+ community and a societal stigma that often prevented victims from coming forward. However, dedicated detectives and forensic experts worked tirelessly to piece together the clues and build a case against the killer.

Over the years, there were numerous suspects and leads in the case, but none of them panned out. The Last Call Killer remained at large, causing fear and anxiety among the LGBTQ+ community and inspiring a sense of resilience and determination among those who sought justice.

Finally, in 2002, after years of tireless investigation, the Last Call Killer was apprehended. He was identified as Richard Ramirez, a former Marine Corps soldier who had a history of violent behavior and mental illness. Ramirez had committed a series of murders across California and other states, targeting both heterosexual and LGBTQ+ individuals.

The arrest of the Last Call Killer brought a sense of closure to the victims and their families, but it also raised important questions about the systemic issues that contributed to his crimes. The LGBTQ+ community continued to face discrimination and marginalization, and the AIDS epidemic continued to ravage communities worldwide. The case highlighted the need for greater awareness, education, and support for marginalized communities, as well as the importance of addressing the root causes of violence and mental illness.

In conclusion, the Last Call Killer's story is a chilling reminder of the dark corners of human nature and the devastating impact of violence and discrimination. Despite the challenges faced by law enforcement and the LGBTQ+ community, the pursuit of justice was ultimately successful, and the killer was brought to account. The case also serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of the victims and the vibrant community that emerged in the face of adversity. It is a reminder that we must continue to fight for equality, justice, and compassion for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or identity.

Weight: 300g
Dimension: 208 x 135 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781250833020