The Alphabet Murders: The Unsolved Child Killings That Haunt Rochester
Between 1971 and 1973, the city of Rochester, New York, was terrorized by a series of brutal child murders that became known as the Alphabet Murders (or Double Initial Murders). Three young girls—each with matching first and last initials—were abducted, sexually assaulted, and strangled before their bodies were dumped in towns whose names also shared their initials.
Despite intense investigations, multiple suspects, and public outcry, the case remains unsolved. Here’s a deep dive into one of America’s most chilling unsolved serial killings.
The Victims: A Chilling Pattern
All three victims were girls between the ages of 10 and 11, each with matching initials:
- Carmen Colón (10) – Found near Churchville (November 16, 1971)
- Wanda Walkowicz (11) – Found in Webster (April 2, 1973)
- Michelle Maenza (11) – Found in Macedon (November 26, 1973)
Each girl was last seen running errands before being lured into a vehicle. Their bodies were discovered in towns starting with the same letter as their names.
Key Similarities:
- All were strangled (either manually or with a ligature).
- Each had been sexually assaulted.
- Their bodies were left near highways, suggesting the killer used a car.
- White cat fur was found on two victims, hinting at a possible pet in the killer’s home or vehicle.
The Murders: A Timeline of Horror
1. Carmen Colón (1971)
- Last seen entering a car outside a pharmacy.
- Witnesses saw her running naked along Interstate 490, trying to escape before being forced back inside.
- Her body was found in a gully near Churchville.
- Suspect: Her uncle, Miguel Colón, fled to Puerto Rico after her death but was never charged.
2. Wanda Walkowicz (1973)
- Disappeared while walking home from a deli.
- Her body was found near Webster, thrown from a moving car.
- Semen and cat fur were found on her clothing.
3. Michelle Maenza (1973)
- Last seen getting into a beige/tan car near her school.
- A witness saw a man forcefully holding her wrist near a broken-down vehicle.
- Her body was discovered in Macedon, with leaves clenched in her hand—suggesting she fought back.
Key Suspects: Who Was the Killer?
Despite hundreds of interrogations, no one was ever convicted. The prime suspects included:
1. Miguel Colón (Carmen’s Uncle)
- Had a relationship with Carmen’s mother.
- Owned a car matching witness descriptions.
- Fled to Puerto Rico after her murder.
- Died by suicide in 1991.
2. Dennis Termini (The “Garage Rapist”)
- A serial rapist who targeted young girls.
- Drove a beige car similar to the one seen with Michelle.
- Killed himself in 1974 after a failed abduction.
- DNA ruled him out in Wanda’s case.
3. Kenneth Bianchi (Hillside Strangler)
- Worked as an ice cream vendor in Rochester.
- Later committed the Hillside Strangler murders in California.
- Denied involvement but remains a person of interest.
4. Joseph Naso (California “Alphabet Killer”)
- Murdered women with matching initials in the 1970s–90s.
- Lived in Rochester during the killings.
- DNA excluded him in Wanda’s case.
Why Were the Alphabet Murders Never Solved?
- Lack of forensic technology: DNA testing was not available in the 1970s.
- Multiple suspects, no clear link: No single suspect tied to all three crimes.
- Possible copycat killings: Some detectives believe Carmen’s murder was unrelated.
The Legacy: A Case That Still Haunts Rochester
- In 2009, the Rochester PD reopened the case but found no new leads.
- Carmen’s mother, Guillermina, pleaded for answers before her death.
- The case remains one of America’s most infamous unsolved serial killings.
Could advances in DNA technology finally solve the Alphabet Murders? Or will the killer’s identity remain a mystery forever?
Final Thoughts
The Alphabet Murders represent a terrifying unsolved chapter in true crime history. With eerie patterns, missed leads, and heartbreaking victim stories, this case continues to haunt investigators and true crime enthusiasts alike.
Will justice ever come for Carmen, Wanda, and Michelle?
What do you think? Share your theories in the comments.
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