Decades Later, Sister Speaks Out as Brother’s Cold Case Is Linked to Suspected Serial Killer

The sister of Heriberto Ruiz says she is experiencing a mix of pain and disbelief after learning her brother’s decades-old cold case has been linked to Dwight Rhone, a man prosecutors now believe may be responsible for multiple killings in San Diego County.

“It’s like reopening a wound we thought was closed, and it’s not,” said Josefa Pablo.

Ruiz was 34 years old when his body was found on Christmas Eve in an alley off Acacia Street in San Diego’s Southcrest neighborhood. According to prosecutors, he was wrapped in a blanket, his hands appeared to be tied, and he died by strangulation.

Pablo said her brother was known for his kindness and sense of humor.

“He was funny, and would help anyone. He was also very trusting,” she said.

Ruiz was a landscaper and a father of two who lived in North County with his parents. Pablo said the circumstances surrounding his death were confusing, including why he was in San Diego at the time.

She recalled that her Ford Mustang, which Ruiz had borrowed, was later located somewhere in San Diego. Pablo said police told her the car was being driven by a man who claimed he had purchased it for $100.

Despite the investigation, the case eventually went cold.

“It was hurtful. We didn’t know why he was killed,” Pablo said.

Years passed without answers, and the family assumed the case would never be solved.

“So we just assumed it was never going to be solved,” she said.

That changed when Pablo received a call from a police detective informing her that investigators had linked the killing to Dwight Rhone, who is now facing multiple murder charges in other cases.

“As far as I know, I don’t think he knew him,” Pablo said, referring to any connection between her brother and Rhone.

Prosecutors have linked Rhone to at least four victims, including Ruiz. Pablo said police have not shared specific details about the evidence connecting Rhone to her brother’s death.

“It’s painful, just to think somebody would kill, just to kill, and my brother would have been one of those victims,” she said.

As the legal process moves forward, Pablo said she thinks about her mother, who died eight years ago without seeing justice for her son.

“She died without justice for my brother. Now she knows he will eventually get justice,” Pablo said.

Pablo said she hopes the court proceedings bring accountability.

“I want him to pay for my brother’s death. I want justice for my brother,” she said.

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