San Diego, December 4, 2025
In San Diego, authorities uncovered human remains at a property associated with 74-year-old Dwight William Rhone, currently in custody for murdering Bernardo Moreno. The find intensifies investigations into unsolved cases as officials collaborate with the Medical Examiner’s Office to identify the remains. Rhone, who has a long criminal history, raises concerns about possible additional victims. Community cooperation is urged as the investigation unfolds.
San Diego, California: Human Remains Discovered at Property Linked to Homicide Suspect
Authorities in San Diego have made a significant discovery at a property associated with 74-year-old Dwight William Rhone, a man currently in custody for the murder of Bernardo Moreno. The investigation highlights ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in the region while showcasing community vigilance in the pursuit of justice.
On December 2, 2025, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) executed a search warrant at 3443 Newton Avenue in the Southcrest neighborhood. This property was previously rented by Rhone. During the search, investigators uncovered human remains, leading to further inquiries that could shed light on other unsolved cases in San Diego. The San Diego Police Department’s Cold Case/Missing Persons Unit is collaborating with the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office to identify the remains and determine the cause of death.
Background on Dwight William Rhone
Rhone has a lengthy criminal history, with 33 offenses recorded between 1963 and 2021. His arrest on December 5, 2024, was linked to the murder of 54-year-old Bernardo Moreno, who was found fatally shot and set on fire along Interstate 5 back in October 2023. Currently, Rhone is in custody for this homicide, and the recent discovery of human remains has prompted a renewed investigation and questions about other potential victims.
Ongoing Investigation
The situation has prompted further investigations by authorities. Investigators are working diligently to determine if the remains found at Rhone’s former residence are connected to other missing persons cases in the San Diego area. Law enforcement officials are encouraging anyone with information to contact the Homicide Unit or Crime Stoppers, emphasizing the community’s role in assisting in these critical investigations.
Related Incidents in California
This case adds to a series of alarming discoveries of human remains throughout California in recent years, highlighting the ongoing need for thorough law enforcement engagement in cold cases:
- North Hills, Los Angeles: In November 2023, human remains were found buried in a backyard, identified as a missing 35-year-old man from Guatemala.
- Valinda, Los Angeles County: In August 2015, remains were discovered linked to a 2009 missing persons case, with efforts underway to provide closure to affected families.
- Long Beach: In May 2018, detectives continued investigations into remains found buried at a residential property, again linked to a missing persons case.
Each incident reflects the overall commitment of law enforcement to resolve cold cases, ensuring justice and relief for families affected by tragic circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What prompted the search at 3443 Newton Avenue?
The California Highway Patrol and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the search based on information suggesting that human remains might be present at the property previously rented by Dwight William Rhone.
Who is Dwight William Rhone?
Dwight William Rhone is a 74-year-old man with a lengthy criminal history, including 33 offenses between 1963 and 2021. He is currently in custody for the murder of 54-year-old Bernardo Moreno, whose body was found fatally shot and set on fire on October 18, 2023, along Interstate 5.
What is the current status of the investigation?
Authorities are working to identify the remains found at Rhone’s former residence and determine the cause of death. The San Diego Police Department is collaborating with the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office and urges anyone with information to contact the Homicide Unit at (619) 531-2293 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
Have there been similar cases in California recently?
Yes, there have been several recent discoveries of human remains in California, including incidents in North Hills, Valinda, and Long Beach, where remains were found buried in residential yards, often linked to missing persons cases.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Discovery Date | December 2, 2025 |
| Location | 3443 Newton Avenue, Southcrest, San Diego, California |
| Property Owner | Dwight William Rhone |
| Previous Arrest | December 5, 2024, for the murder of Bernardo Moreno |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing; remains being identified and cause of death determined |
| Contact Information | San Diego Police Department Homicide Unit: (619) 531-2293; Crime Stoppers: (888) 580-8477 |
Now Happening on X
- @nbcsandiego (December 4, 2025, 12:43 AM) San Diego News Daily for Wednesday, Dec. 3: Multiple agencies investigating human remains found in a Southcrest neighborhood, and Carlsbad advances new age restrictions for e-bike riders. View on X
- @nbcsandiego (December 4, 2025, 5:00 AM) Police responded to a domestic violence call in San Diego after a mother reported seeing footage of her husband assaulting their son, leading to the father’s arrest on child abuse charges. View on X
- @MayorToddGloria (December 2, 2025, 12:47 AM) In this week’s update from the Mayor’s Desk: New efforts for middle-income housing, license plate readers aiding SDPD in finding a missing senior, and parking meter revenue funding neighborhood repairs. View on X
- @619NewsMedia (December 1, 2025, 10:46 PM) An apartment complex on Windsurf Way in San Diego was evacuated due to police activity, with authorities responding to a reported incident for public safety. View on X
- @nbcsandiego (December 1, 2025, 2:04 AM) San Diego News Daily for Sunday, Nov. 30: Arrest made in Escondido hit-and-run that killed an 11-year-old boy, San Diego Zoo announces paid parking starting next year, and concerns raised over off-leash citations at a La Mesa park. View on X
- @619SDLD (December 1, 2025, 10:34 AM) San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria’s annual speech criticizes the county’s homelessness efforts and requests funding for a shelter, while the county emphasizes collaboration on public safety issues. View on X
- @sdcta (November 27, 2025, 2:43 PM) Community activist Paul Krueger discusses two recent San Diego City Council meetings that ended abruptly, denying public input and delaying reforms in line with public safety and governance concerns. View on X
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Man Detained for Pointing Replica Handgun Lighter in Coronado
Eduardo Magana Sentenced for Second-Degree Murder
Escondido Police Identify Officers Involved in Shooting Incident
Human Remains Discovered in Southcrest, San Diego
Tragic Death of La Mesa Police Officer
Child Killed, Six Injured in Fiery Crash in San Felipe
8-Year-Old Girl Injured in San Diego Traffic Accident
UC Berkeley Student Dies After Drowning Incident at Fraternity Party
Neighbor Arrested in Homicide of 83-Year-Old Woman in Oceanside
Shooting Incident on I-5 Near Camp Pendleton Causes Major Traffic Disruption
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
