A Southern California man already charged with murder in a 2023 San Diego County death now faces three additional murder charges tied to cases dating back more than 30 years, according to the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office.
Prosecutors say Dwight Rhone, 74, is now accused in four homicide cases spanning from 1993 to 2025. Rhone was originally arrested in December 2024 in connection with a 2023 killing. New charges stem from two cold cases and the discovery of human remains found at a San Diego home last year.
The district attorney’s office said the expanded case is the result of years of investigation involving multiple agencies, including San Diego Police, the FBI, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, and the California Highway Patrol.
Original Case
Rhone was arrested and charged on Dec. 5, 2024, for the alleged murder of 54-year-old Bernardo Moreno. Moreno’s remains were found in October 2023 near the interchange of Interstate 5 and Highway 905 in southern San Diego.
Investigators said Moreno had suffered a gunshot wound to the head and that his remains had been burned.
New Evidence
In December 2025, investigators with the California Highway Patrol searched the backyard of a home on Newton Avenue in San Diego’s Southcrest neighborhood. Authorities said the search followed developed information suggesting human remains were buried on the property.
During that search, investigators located remains later identified as belonging to Michael Brown. At the time, Rhone was already in custody for the Moreno case and was subsequently named a person of interest in the Southcrest investigation.
Additional Cases
Prosecutors now allege Rhone is responsible for four deaths:
- December 2025: The remains of Michael Brown were found buried at a home on Newton Avenue in San Diego’s Southcrest neighborhood.
- October 2023: Bernardo Moreno was found dead near I-5 and Highway 905 with a gunshot wound to the head and signs of burning.
- September 2002: Ronald Johnken was found dead in Chollas Creek northwest of the I-5 and I-15 interchange. Investigators determined he died from blunt-force trauma to the head.
- December 1993: Herierto Ruiz was found dead in an alley southeast of the I-5 and I-15 interchange. The medical examiner ruled the death a homicide by strangulation.
Ongoing Review
Investigators are also reviewing two additional missing or deceased person cases that may be connected to Rhone. One involves Danice Galloway, whose body was found in San Diego on May 1, 1989. The second concerns Antenogenes Gomez Velasquez, who was last seen in 2021.
Authorities have not said whether additional charges could be filed in those cases.
Court Proceedings
The district attorney’s office said Rhone was arraigned Wednesday on the three new murder charges related to the deaths of Brown, Ronald Johnken, and Herierto Ruiz. He pleaded not guilty to all counts.
Rhone remains in custody. His next court hearing is scheduled for March 2027.
FAQs
Who is facing the murder charges?
Dwight Rhone, 74, of San Diego County.
How many deaths is he accused of?
Four deaths spanning from 1993 to 2025.
What led to the new charges?
Cold case reviews and remains found at a San Diego home.
Has Rhone entered a plea?
Yes, he pleaded not guilty to the new charges.
When is his next court date?
March 2027, according to prosecutors.
