California Today

74-Year-Old Man Charged as Serial Killer in San Diego Cold Cases

10 June 2026 15:25

A 74-year-old man, Dwight William Rhone, has been charged as a serial killer in San Diego, linked to four killings including cold cases from 1993 and 2002. He pleaded not guilty.

- Rhone faces special circumstances allegations of multiple murders, potentially leading to life without parole or the death penalty. - The charges include the 1993 strangulation of Herierto Ruiz and the 2002 blunt force trauma death of Ronald Johnken.

- Human remains found at a Southcrest property in December 2025 were identified as Michael Brown. - Prosecutors are investigating Rhone's possible connection to additional deaths, including a 1989 case and a missing person from 2021.

The District Attorney's Office emphasized their commitment to seeking justice for victims and their families, no matter how many years have passed.

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