Quick Summary

Joseph Naso, convicted in 2013 for killing four women with matching initials and dubbed the “Alphabet Killer,” now claims he murdered 26 women, as revealed by a fellow inmate, Bill Noguera, in a new documentary. This chilling confession, paired with Naso’s own “Greatest Hits” list and a string of forensic clues, has reignited investigations into cold cases he may have committed across the U.S.

What’s Behind Naso’s Explosive Confession?

Joseph Naso, 91, serving time in California, has long been convicted for the four murders of women with alliterative names. However, his cellmate at San Quentin, Bill Noguera, revealed Naso admitted to killing a total of 26 women and maintained a macabre “Greatest Hits” list of his victims, far more than officially recognized.

Among those he allegedly targeted was Pamela Lambson, whom he reportedly lured by impersonating a photographer for the Oakland A’s. Naso posed her lifeless body against a tree before killing her, an act he described in chilling detail.

How Did the Inmate-Cold Case Detective Alliance Unravel More Cases?

Noguera, over a decade-long correspondence with Naso, kept meticulous notes—from places and clues to hidden identities of victims. These were passed to cold-case detective Ken Mains, leading to breakthroughs, including identifying Charlotte Cook, who went missing in 1974, as a potential victim. Investigators also found 26 gold coins at Naso’s home, believed to represent trophies for each murder.

What Were the ‘Greatest Hits’?

Naso reportedly ranked ten of his victims as his “Greatest Hits.” He was particularly enraged when the media mistakenly attributed one of his killings to fellow inmate Rodney Alcala—the infamous “Dating Game Killer”—who was also known for posing as a photographer. His chilling MO included staging victims, taking macabre photos, and reportedly listening to The Doors’ “Riders on the Storm” while hunting—a song whose lyrics he found disturbingly fitting.

Who Is Joseph Naso?

Joseph Naso—aka the “Alphabet Killer” or “Double Initial Killer”—was convicted for four murders spanning 1977 to 1994 in California, targeting victims whose names had identical initials. Before his arrest, he worked as a school photographer and Little League coach, which helped him lure victims.

Why This Matters

Naso’s claim dramatically shifts public perception:

• Serial Scale: If accurate, he may be among America’s most prolific serial killers.
• Cold Cases Reopened: These revelations are prompting active reinvestigation of unsolved murders across multiple states.
• Justice for Families: Det. Mains and Noguera aim to offer closure to long-waiting victims’ families.

Snapshot Summary Table

Here’s a breakdown of key details surrounding Naso’s new claims:

FAQs on Joseph Naso and the Alphabet Killer Case

Who is Joseph Naso, the Alphabet Killer?

Joseph Naso, also called the Alphabet Killer or Double Initial Killer, is a convicted serial killer sentenced in 2013 for the murders of four women in California between 1977 and 1994. He earned his nickname because his victims often had matching initials, such as Carmen Colon and Pamela Parsons.

How many women did Joseph Naso claim to have killed?

While Joseph Naso was convicted of killing four women, new revelations suggest he claimed responsibility for as many as 26 murders. This came to light through his inmate confidant, William Noguera, and has triggered renewed investigations into cold cases.

What was Joseph Naso’s “Greatest Hits” list?

Naso allegedly kept a written list ranking his favorite victims, calling it his “Greatest Hits.” This disturbing document, along with 26 gold coins found in his home, is now being examined as possible evidence that he killed many more women than he was convicted of.

What You Should Know

Does Naso’s confession hold legal weight? So far, these are inmate claims supplemented with detective work—not yet court-verified. Investigations are underway. Law enforcement is pursuing leads across California and beyond, thanks to Noguera’s notes. The upcoming documentary Death Row Confidential premieres on September 13, offering an in-depth look into this chilling case.