Dwight Rhone, 74, already in custody for a 2023 highway killing, has now been charged with three additional murder counts tied to homicides from 1993 and 2002. Prosecutors also filed a special circumstance for committing multiple murders, as Rhone pleaded not
A San Diego man already behind bars is now facing a broader case of alleged violence stretching back decades, prosecutors said.
Dwight Rhone, 74, was initially charged in December 2024 with one count of murder connected to the 2023 killing of Bernardo Moreno. On Wednesday, prosecutors announced additional murder charges—three more counts—along with a special circumstance for committing multiple murders.
Rhone pleaded not guilty to the new charges and is scheduled to return to court again in March. Prosecutors have not yet said whether they will seek the death penalty if he is convicted.
“Your commitment to holding violent offenders accountable remains as strong today as it was on the day these crimes were committed. ” San Diego County Dist. Atty. Summer Stephan said in the release. “The District Attorney’s Office will never stop seeking the truth no matter how many years have passed. Victims deserve justice and their families deserve answers.”.
Prosecutors accuse Rhone of killing four men, dating back to 1993. Michael Brown’s remains were found in December 2025 underneath a home where Rhone used to reside, prosecutors said, after investigators executed a search warrant at the property.
Moreno, prosecutors said, was found dead in October 2023 near the Interstate 5 and State Route 905 interchange. He was found in burned debris and died from a gunshot wound to the head.
In September 2002, Ronald Johnken was found in Chollas Creek near 3300 National Ave., according to prosecutors. He died from blunt-force trauma to the head.
In December 1993, Heriberto Ruiz was found dead in an alley near the 3500 block of Acacia Street, prosecutors said. He died by strangulation.
Officials said they are continuing to look into Rhone and any other cases that may be associated with him.
Dwight Rhone San Diego County District Attorney Bernardo Moreno Michael Brown remains Ronald Johnken Heriberto Ruiz SoCal cold cases murder charges special circumstance multiple murders Summer Stephan