Sarah Dylan, born Renee Shapiro, was a 31-year-old white woman and devoted Bob Dylan fan who legally changed her name to match that of the musician's former wife. She was last seen in May 1992 en route to a Bob Dylan concert at the Warfield Theater in San Francisco. Her remains were later discovered in or near Nevada County, California. Due to the condition of the remains, the exact cause of death was not determined.
Investigators linked her death to Joseph Naso, a convicted serial killer, after discovering her identification and personal items in his safe deposit box. A handwritten note dated May 4, 1992—the day of the concert—was also found, suggesting a connection. Additionally, Naso maintained a 'List of 10' in his diary, referencing unnamed women and locations, which authorities believe corresponded to his victims. One entry, 'Girl in Woodland, Nevada County,' is thought to refer to Sarah Dylan.
Despite these findings, Naso was not formally charged with Sarah Dylan's murder due to insufficient evidence. However, during his 2013 trial for the murders of four other women, prosecutors presented evidence linking him to her death. Naso was ultimately convicted and sentenced to death for the confirmed murders. He remains incarcerated on death row in California.
