Alleged serial killer asks to be unshackled in court

SAN RAFAEL, Calif. -- A 77-year-old man who allegedly killed four Northern California women between 1977 and 1994 asked a Marin County Superior Court judge Friday to be unshackled during his court proceedings.

Both of Joseph Naso's hands have been shackled at the waist during his court appearances.

Marin County sheriff's Lt. Jamie Scardina testified during a brief hearing this morning that Naso, of Reno, Nev., is not allowed any contact with other inmates as part of the sheriff's office's administrative segregation policy because of the nature of the charges.

Accordingly, Naso, who is representing himself, is being shackled in court, Scardina said.

Judge Andrew Sweet approved Naso's motion to unshackle his left hand to allow him to write during court proceedings. The order applies up to his Jan. 10 preliminary hearing.

Sweet said the issue can be revisited then, and if the Marin County District Attorney's Office wants Naso shackled it can file a motion to do so.

Naso's next hearing is Oct. 11.

Get more North Bay News »

marin county, crime, murder, north bay news

• Comment Now
• Email
• Print
• Report a typo
•