San Diego Man Accused of 4 Murders Over 3 Decades

Dwight William Rhone, 74, a San Diego resident, is now accused of four murders that occurred over more than three decades. He was already facing a murder charge for the killing of Bernardo Moreno, discovered in October 2023. Prosecutors have filed three additional murder counts against Rhone, linking him to cold cases from 1993 and 2002.

These new charges include the death of Heriberto Ruiz, found strangled in December 1993, and Ronald Johnken, who died from blunt-force trauma in September 2002. Furthermore, human remains discovered in December 2025 beneath a former residence of Rhone in the Southcrest neighborhood have been identified as Michael Brown. Rhone pleaded not guilty to all charges and is being held without bail.

The investigation into the Southcrest property intensified late last year following information about potential human remains. Law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, executed a search warrant in December 2025, leading to the discovery. Rhone, already in custody for Moreno's homicide, became a person of interest. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities reviewing additional missing persons cases and seeking public assistance.