Alleged Serial Killer Joseph Naso Allowed to View Pantyhose

Joseph Naso may view four pairs of pantyhose that were found on one of the four women he is accused of killing between 1977 and 1994, a Marin County Superior Court judge ruled.

Judge Andrew Sweet approved Naso's request to visually, but not physically, examine pantyhose that are in evidence, Deputy District Attorney Dori Ahana said.

Naso must wear a mask, hairnet, body suit, gloves and booties while viewing the evidence. A date for him to view the pantyhose in his Marin County jail cell was not set, Ahana said. The pantyhose were found on the body of 18-year-old Roxene Roggasch, of Oakland, whose body was found in a rural area near Fairfax in 1977.

Roggasch was wearing a pair of pantyhose inside-out. One pair was around her neck, one pair was in her mouth and one was around her mouth, according to testimony by criminalist Tuan Nguyen at Naso's January preliminary hearing.

Nguyen also testified that semen found on the inside-out pantyhose was likely Naso's and Naso's now ex-wife Judith's DNA was found on the pantyhose around Roggasch's neck.

Nguyen testified this afternoon the pantyhose could be contaminated or destroyed if it is physically examined, Ahana said.

The prosecution is alleging at least three of the four murder victims were strangled.

Naso is representing himself, but his advisory counsel, Bill Fazio, said Naso does not want to physically examine the evidence, only have an opportunity to view it.

Naso, 78, of Reno, also allegedly killed Carmen Colon, 22, in Contra Costa County in August 1978 and Pamela Parsons, 38, on Sept, 19, 1993, and Tracy Tafoya, 31, in August 1994, in Yuba County.

The prosecution is alleging Naso met the women, who were working as prostitutes, during the course of his work photographing models.

Naso has denied the charges and is being held under no bail. His trial is scheduled for Nov. 7.

--Bay City News Service