Alphabet Murders

The Alphabet Murders is an unsolved serial murder case from 1971 to 1973. Three young girls from Rochester were found raped and murdered in the suburbs. The case is known as the "Alphabet Murders" or the "Double Initial Murders" because the first and last initial of each of the girls was the same as the initial of the town they were found in. To wit:

• Carmen Colon, 10, disappeared November 16, 1971 and her body was found in Churchville two days later
  

• Wanda Walkowicz, 11, disappeared April 2, 1973 and her body was found in Webster a day later
  

• Michelle Maenza, 11, was reported missing Nov. 26, 1973, and her body was found in Macedon two days later

Other similarities and unusual aspects:

• C, M and W are the 3rd, 13th and 23rd letters of the alphabet
  

• All three girls were from poor, Catholic families
  

• All three girls did poorly in school

It is suspected that Hillside Strangler and Rochester native Kenneth Bianchi may have committed these murders, but there is no direct evidence linking him to the crimes.

A movie, The Alphabet Killer, is being filmed in Rochester in January 2007 roughly based on these murders. The official site for the movie is http://alphabetkiller.com. Rochesterians are being hired for small roles and as extras.