SERIAL KILLER: The Alphabet Murders Part 2
In this intense episode of "Crime Junkie," hosts Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat delve into the chilling particulars of The Alphabet Murders that have haunted Rochester, New York. The episode details the tragic and mysterious circumstances surrounding the deaths of three girls in the 1970s, all sharing the eerie connection of double initials and the locations of their body discoveries. With a series of suspects paraded throughout the years and the uncanny statistical implication of a serial killer's involvement, the hosts explore the complexities of these interconnected crimes and the debate over the possibility of multiple culprits.
Despite multiple leads and suspects from troubled firefighter Dennis Termini to the infamous Kenneth Bianchi, the truth behind "The Alphabet Murders" has evaded resolution for decades. Flowers and Prawat also address the pivotal role of DNA evidence, which has proved indispensable in excluding certain suspects without bringing the case to a close. With renewed interest and advancements such as Investigative Genetic Genealogy, the episode ends on a note of tentative hope, as modern technology could finally unravel one of the most labyrinthine and notorious cases in criminal history. Join the investigation with "Crime Junkie" as the hosts unravel the threads of a puzzle that remain unresolved to this day.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Feb 26, 2024 episode of the Crime Junkie
Sign up for Shortform to access the whole episode summary along with additional materials like counterarguments and context.
1-Page Summary
The murders of the three girls
Carmen Colon, Wanda Walkowicz, and Michelle Maenza, the victims from Rochester, New York, share disturbing similarities across their murders. Each girl had double initials, and their bodies were found in locations matching the initials of their names. A witness reported seeing a confrontational man who attempted to hide a girl resembling Michelle near the location of her body discovery, also noting he had long fingernails, aligning with evidence of scratches on Carmen's body. A statistical analysis implies it's highly unlikely (0.03% chance) for three separate random victims to have double initials, suggesting a potential serial killer. The pattern of abductions and murders in Connecticut stopped when the Rochester murders began and resumed when they ended.
The debate over a single killer versus multiple killers is ongoing due to variations in the brutality and methods of the murders. Differences in how the girls were lured and killed lead some to speculate about multiple assailants. However, officials view the initial coincidence as just that—a bizarre coincidence. There is an open question around whether Carmen Colon's killer was the same as the one responsible for Wanda and Michelle's deaths, given the disparities in evidence.
Suspects
Multiple suspects have come to light in the Rochester murder investigations due to connections or evidence, despite no definitive conclusions.
Miguel Colon, a relative of two victims, caught investigators' attention after a violent domestic incident, but his family attested to his innocence. Dennis Termini, a firefighter with a suspect history, became a prime suspect due to matching eyewitness descriptions and evidence found in his vehicle that suggested a connection to the crimes. Although Termini's criminal activities ended in suicide, suspicion remained strong. Kenneth Bianchi, known as the Hillside Strangler, was re-considered due to his presence in Rochester during the murders and an employment background that warranted scrutiny, but the investigation moved away from him when wrist prints and further evidence did not align. Joseph Naso became a suspect in 2011 when evidence linked him to murders in California and his Rochester residency during the abductions emerged.
Witness descriptions contributed to developing a suspect profile, and a security guard named Gilbert encountered a man who matched the description and behaved suspiciously. Despite this, the cases remain unsolved with each lead often diverging and not definitively incriminating any one suspect.
The DNA evidence
In the investigation, DNA evidence has been crucial in excluding suspects but has not yet resulted in an arrest.
Multiple suspects, including Kenneth Bianchi and Dennis Termini, were ruled out with DNA evidence from Wanda Walkowicz's case. Although her profile has been tested against many individuals, no matches have been found, and it remains unclear if the DNA profile is entered into CODIS. The DNA in the cases of the other two girls was destroyed, posing a challenge for investigators.
There is a push for using Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG) to generate new leads after the resumption of familial DNA testing in New York in 2023. Despite the state of New York not funding IGG, grants from Season of Justice could help facilitate the use of genetic genealogy to potentially solve Wanda's case and related investigations.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- The murders of Carmen Colon, Wanda Walkowicz, and Michelle Maenza share eerie similarities, including double initials and the locations where their bodies were found matching their initials. A witness saw a man near Michelle's body location who resembled her, with distinctive long fingernails matching evidence found on Carmen's body. The pattern of abductions and murders in Connecticut coincided with the Rochester murders, suggesting a potential link. The debate continues on whether a single killer or multiple perpetrators were involved due to variations in the murders' brutality and methods.
- The statistical analysis mentioned in the text suggests that the likelihood of three separate random victims having double initials is very low, estimated at 0.03%. This statistical rarity implies that the shared characteristic of double initials among the victims is unlikely to have occurred by chance. This observation contributes to the speculation of a potential pattern or intentional selection by a perpetrator in the murders.
- The debate between a single killer and multiple killers in the context of these murders arises from differences in how the victims were lured and killed, leading some to consider the possibility of more than one perpetrator. The variations in the brutality and methods of the murders have fueled speculation about the number of individuals involved in the crimes. Authorities are exploring whether the differences in how the crimes were committed suggest the work of a single individual with evolving methods or the actions of multiple perpetrators with distinct approaches.
- The uncertainties about whether one killer was responsible for all three murders stem from variations in the brutality and methods used in each case, leading to speculation about the involvement of multiple assailants. Disparities in how the victims were lured and killed have raised questions about the possibility of different perpetrators being involved in the crimes. The debate continues due to the differing evidence and circumstances surrounding each murder, leaving open the question of whether the same individual committed all three killings.
- Miguel Colon: A relative of two victims in the Rochester murders who drew attention from investigators due to a violent domestic incident, but his family vouched for his innocence.
Dennis Termini: A firefighter with a suspicious history who became a prime suspect in the Rochester murders based on eyewitness descriptions and evidence found in his vehicle, although his criminal activities ended in suicide.
Kenneth Bianchi: Known as the Hillside Strangler, he was considered a suspect in the Rochester murders due to his presence in the area during the crimes, but further evidence did not align with his involvement.
Joseph Naso: Became a suspect in 2011 in connection to the Rochester murders due to evidence linking him to other murders in California and his residency in Rochester during the abductions.
- Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG) involves using DNA databases and genealogical records to identify individuals by tracing their family connections. This technique can help law enforcement generate leads in cold cases by identifying potential relatives of an unknown suspect. By comparing crime scene DNA with public genetic databases, investigators can potentially identify suspects or their relatives, leading to breakthroughs in cases that have gone unsolved for years. The use of IGG has gained attention for its success in helping solve previously intractable cases by leveraging advancements in DNA technology and genealogical research.
Counterarguments
- The statistical analysis indicating a low chance of three random victims having double initials might not account for all variables and could be subject to the prosecutor's fallacy, where the context of the probability is misrepresented.
- The cessation of abductions and murders in Connecticut correlating with the Rochester murders could be coincidental and not necessarily indicative of a single perpetrator.
- The debate over a single killer versus multiple killers could be influenced by confirmation bias, where investigators may favor evidence that supports their preconceived theories.
- The consideration of the initial similarities as a bizarre coincidence might overlook deeper patterns or connections that have not yet been identified or understood.
- The uncertainties about whether one killer was responsible for all three murders could stem from a lack of comprehensive analysis or the possibility that evidence has been overlooked or misinterpreted.
- The emergence of multiple suspects could indicate tunnel vision in the investigation, where focus on certain individuals may lead to neglecting other potential leads or suspects.
- The reliance on DNA evidence to exclude suspects assumes the accuracy and integrity of the collection and testing processes, which can sometimes be flawed.
- The lack of matches for Wanda Walkowicz's DNA profile does not necessarily mean that the perpetrator's DNA is not in the system; it could also mean that the DNA sample is contaminated or incomplete.
- The push for using Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG) assumes that the technology and methods are infallible and that there are no ethical or privacy concerns related to its use.
Related Shortform Content
Get access to the context and additional materials
The murders of the three girls
The case of Carmen Colon, Wanda Walkowicz, and Michelle Maenza from Rochester, New York, known as the double initial or alphabet murders, reveals chilling similarities amid an ongoing debate about the number of assailants involved.
The similarities in the cases linking them as possible serial killings
The three young girls, Carmen Colon, Wanda Walkowicz, and Michelle Maenza, are forever connected by the disturbing similarities between their cases. All three girls had double initials in their names and their bodies were found in areas matching the initials of their first and last names—Webster and Macedon. A witness came forward to report seeing a man, who was confrontational and attempted to hide a girl resembling Michelle, near where her body was discovered. Furthermore, the same witness described the suspect as having long fingernails—a detail eerily reminiscent of scratches found on Carmen's body.
A statistical analysis cited suggests that the occurrence of three separate random victims all with double initials is markedly low (0.03%). Moreover, the timing of linked series of similar murders in Connecticut further fuels theories of a potential serial killer. The episodes of abduction and murder in Connecticut ceased as the Rochester murders began, only to resume when they stopped.
The debate about whether there was one killer or multiple
However, there remains a lack of consensus on whether the murders were the work of a single perpetrator or multiple killers. Some argue that the brutality and methods varied to a degree that could suggest different assailants. For instance, one girl's killing was notably more violent, while the others appeared to have been coaxed by feeding, indicating possibly different approaches.
Ashley Flowers and other investigators have deliberated the significance of the ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
The murders of the three girls
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- The term "double initial or alphabet murders" is used to describe a series of killings where the victims share the same initial letters in their first and last names. In this case, Carmen Colon, Wanda Walkowicz, and Michelle Maenza all had double initials in their names (C.C., W.W., M.M.). This pattern of victims with matching initials is what led to the classification of these murders as the "double initial or alphabet murders."
- Webster and Macedon are locations in New York where the bodies of the victims were found. The connection to the victims' initials comes from the fact that the first and last names of the victims also start with the same letters, "W" for Webster and "M" for Macedon. This detail adds a chilling layer of coincidence to the case, contributing to the intrigue and mystery surrounding the murders.
- Ashley Flowers is a podcaster and crime enthusiast known for her work on the podcast "Crime Junkie." In this context, she is mentioned as one of the investigators who have been discussing the significance of the initial coincidence in the case of the alphabet murders. Flowers' involvement in the investigation adds a perspective from someone with experience in analyzing and discussing true crime cases. Her insights and discussions contribute to the ongoing debate surrounding the potential connections between the murders of Carmen Colon, Wanda Walkowicz, and Michelle Maenza.
- Practical limitations of stalking and choosing victims by their initials involve the challenges of consistently identifying and targeting victims solely based on their initials, as it requires specific knowledge of individuals' names. Stalking individuals based on their initials alone may not be a reliable method due to the limited visibility of initials in most cases. The process of selecting victims based on their initials can be complex and may not guarantee successful targeting, as it relies heavily on chance ...
Counterarguments
- The statistical analysis of the low probability of three random victims with double initials might not account for all variables and could be misleading without a larger context of the data.
- Witness reliability can be questionable, and the report of a man with long fingernails might be a misidentification or influenced by leading questions.
- The cessation of murders in Connecticut coinciding with the Rochester murders could be coincidental and not necessarily indicative of a connection.
- Variations in brutality and methods could be the result of a single killer evolving or changing tactics rather than evidence of multiple assailants.
- The significance of the initials could be overemphasized, and the pattern might be a result of confirmation bias rather than a deliberate act by the killer(s).
- Discrepancies in evidence and attack methods might be due to incomplete or conta ...
Related Shortform Content
A Sicko Serial Killer and NEVER CAUGHT ?!? Jack the Ripper pt 1 | Mystery & Makeup | Bailey Sarian
Bailey Sarian
Morbid: A True Crime Podcast | Episode 8: Charles Manson The “Love Bug Sent From Up Above” Part 2
Ash Kelley, Alaina Urquhart, Advertiser, Leslie Van Houten
Side Stories: Dirt-O-Lantern
Henry Zebrowski, Marcus Parks
Get access to the context and additional materials
Suspects
In the chilling cases of the Rochester abductions, various suspects have surfaced over the years. These individuals have drawn the attention of law enforcement due to their backgrounds, behaviors, or direct links to evidence.
Miguel Colon
Miguel Colon, an uncle of one of the victims and the brother-in-law to another, drew the attention of investigators following a violent domestic dispute that resulted in him shooting two relatives before taking his own life. Even though his family firmly believed in his innocence, the nature of the incident kept him on the investigators' radar until his death.
Dennis Termini
Details emerge around Dennis Termini, a firefighter with an alleged history of targeting teen girls and women, his criminal activities ending in suicide as the police were closing in on him. Termini's vehicle, known for its unique dent, matched the description provided by a witness, and investigators found evidence such as cat hairs and human hair, consistent with one of the victims, that implicated Termini. The discovery of his yearbook photo and the confirmation that he was approximately 25 years old at the times of the crimes further supported the suspicion that Termini may have been involved. He maintained a strong standing as a primary suspect for the cases of Wanda and Michelle for several years.
Kenneth Bianchi
Kenneth Bianchi, notorious as the Hillside Strangler, initially didn't seem connected to the Rochester crimes due to his geography and the nature of his known crimes. However, details about his presence in Rochester during the corresponding time frame, his employment background, and subsequent re-evaluations of evidence, such as wrist prints, prompted a renewed scrutiny by investigators. Despite the initial mismatch of the wrist prints and a lack of further incriminating evidence, Bianchi's candidacy as a suspect saw multiple reassessments before he was nearly ruled out.
Joseph Nazo
The arrest of Joseph Nazo in 2011 uncovered disturbing evidence that extended beyond the four murders attributed to him in Northern California between 1977 and 1994. Photographs of women and a handwritten list with ominous associations, coupled with h ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Suspects
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- The Rochester abductions were a series of mysterious kidnappings that occurred in Rochester, involving multiple victims. Various suspects emerged over the years, drawing the attention of law enforcement due to their connections to the cases or suspicious behaviors. The investigations into these abductions were complex, with leads pointing in different directions and uncertainty surrounding each suspect's involvement. The cases remained unsolved, leaving a haunting sense of mystery and unanswered questions in the community.
- The suspects mentioned in the text have various connections to the Rochester abductions. Miguel Colon was related to two victims and was involved in a violent incident before his death. Dennis Termini was a firefighter with a history of targeting women and had evidence linking him to the crimes. Kenneth Bianchi's potential involvement stemmed from his presence in Rochester during the crimes and re-evaluations of evidence. Joseph Nazo was arrested for murders in Northern California but had ties to Rochester and suspicious evidence found during his arrest.
- The suspects were linked to the crimes through various pieces of evidence such as violent incidents, matching physical descriptions, unique vehicle features, and forensic evidence like hair samples and wrist prints. These connections helped investigators build cases against the suspects despite initial doubts or lack of direct evidence. The suspects' behaviors, backgrounds, and proximity to the crime scenes also contributed to the suspicions surrounding them. The ongoing investigations relied on a combination of witness testimonies, physical evidence, and circumstantial details to establish potential links between the suspects and the abductions.
- Joseph Nazo was arrested in 2011 in Northern California. The arrest led to the discovery of disturbing evidence beyond the four murders he was initially linked to. This evidence included photographs of women and a handwritten list with ominous associations, raising suspicions about his involvement in additional crimes. His residency in Rochester in the early 1970s and confirmation of his presence during e ...
Counterarguments
...
Related Shortform Content
Get access to the context and additional materials
The DNA evidence
DNA evidence has become a focal point in the investigation into Wanda's case, ruling out suspects but also highlighting the challenges of generating new leads without arrests.
Ruled out multiple suspects but has not led to an arrest
In the '90s, a DNA profile was constructed from the available evidence in Wanda's case and tested against multiple suspects. Both Kenneth and Dennis were excluded as contributors to the DNA sample associated with Wanda's case, with Dennis's body even being exhumed in 2007 for further testing. However, despite these efforts, no matches have been found. The podcast hosts point out the uncertainty surrounding whether the DNA profile has been entered into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). Unfortunately, there seems to be no comprehensive list of the individuals who have been tested against the DNA sample.
Furthermore, it's noted that while DNA from Michelle and Carmen's cases were destroyed, at least a profile was able to be built from the sample in Wanda's case. Despite comparing the DNA with several individuals, including Joseph Nazo, investigators haven't identified a match which could lead to an arrest.
Calls for use of investigative genetic genealogy to generate new leads
In 2019, efforts were underway by the New York State Police to establish protocols for using open-source genealogy databases to identify the perpetrator. Despite a legal halt to familial DNA te ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
The DNA evidence
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- The Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) is a national DNA database in the United States managed by the FBI. It allows for the comparison of DNA profiles from crime scenes with those from convicted offenders and other sources. CODIS helps law enforcement agencies identify potential suspects and link cases through DNA evidence.
- Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG) is a method that uses genetic information from public genealogy databases to identify suspects or victims in criminal cases. It involves analyzing shared DNA segments to find relatives and build family trees to pinpoint potential suspects. This technique has been successful in solving numerous criminal cases by leveraging publicly accessible genetic databases like GEDMatch and FamilyTreeDNA. Law enforcement agencies upload crime-scene DNA data to these databases to identify potential suspects through familial connections.
- Familial DNA testing involves searchin ...
Counterarguments
- The reliance on DNA evidence may overshadow other investigative methods that could be crucial in solving the case.
- The exclusion of Kenneth and Dennis based on DNA evidence does not necessarily mean they had no involvement in the case; they could have been involved in a non-DNA-leaving capacity.
- The exhumation of Dennis's body for DNA testing raises ethical questions about the extent to which investigators should go to obtain evidence.
- The absence of a match in the DNA database could suggest that the perpetrator has never been arrested or had their DNA collected, rather than indicating that the current suspects are innocent.
- The uncertainty about the DNA profile being in CODIS could reflect broader issues with how DNA evidence is managed and shared across jurisdictions.
- The lack of a comprehensive list of individuals tested against the DNA sample may indicate a need for better record-keeping and transparency in the investigation.
- The destruction of DNA from related cases could be seen as a loss of potentially valuable evidence that might have helped solve Wanda's case.
- The use of Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG) raises privacy concerns for individuals whose DNA is indirectly used to identify potential suspects.
- The legal halt to familial DNA testing in New York in 2022 might have been based on legitimate concerns about privacy and civil liberties that ...
Related Shortform Content
Get access to the context and additional materials
Create Summaries for anything on the web
Download the Shortform Chrome extension for your browser
