NOVATO, Calif. (AP) - The man accused of murdering four prostitutes with matching first and last initials in Northern California has hired a prominent San Francisco attorney to serve as his new legal advisor.

     

According to reports, 78-year-old Joseph Naso has replaced San Rafael defense attorney Michael Marowitz with Bill Fazio, a former candidate for San Francisco district attorney.

     

Fazio has experience with death penalty cases. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty against Naso, who is charged with murdering Roxene Roggasch, Carmen Colon, Pamela Parsons, and Tracy Tafoya. He has pleaded not guilty.

     

Fazio said he did not know why Naso made the switch. Marowitz declined to comment.

     

Naso is representing himself, so Fazio will be able to provide him with guidance but cannot address the jury or question witnesses.

      

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)