SAN DIEGO — A quiet neighborhood in Southcrest just became the center of California’s darkest unfolding mystery after human remains belonging to “multiple people” were dug up on December 3, 2025, in the backyard of the former home of Dwight William Rhone, a 74-year-old man already jailed for a separate murder.
And investigators are openly asking the question no one wants to say out loud:
Did San Diego have a serial predator hiding in plain sight for decades?
THE TIMELINE — THE MAKING OF A NIGHTMARE
Oct. 18, 2023 — A body—later identified as Bernardo Moreno, 54—is found shot, burned, and left in a torched vehicle near Interstate 5.
Dec. 5, 2023 — Dwight William Rhone is arrested for Moreno’s killing and held without bail.
Dec. 12, 2023 — Rhone is sentenced to 2 years federal prison on unrelated firearm charges. Court records show a 33-offense rap sheet (1963–2021).
2022 — Rhone lists 3443 Newton Avenue as his residence in a legal name-change petition.
2017 — Civil records show a forced eviction and restraining order against Rhone at the same property.
Dec. 3, 2025 — FBI, CHP, and San Diego PD execute a cold-case warrant at 3443 Newton Ave.
Dec. 3–4, 2025 — Investigators erect canopies and begin digging. Bones emerge from the soil. Multiple remains confirmed.
Dec. 5, 2025 — DA officially names Rhone a “person of interest” in the buried-remains case.
THE EVIDENCE — WHAT WE KNOW
• Multiple sets of human remains discovered in the backyard
• Bones recovered by agents wearing full protective gear
• Rhone’s documented history of violence, weapons charges, eviction, and restraining orders
• Rhone’s confirmed residency at the home & documented legal ties
• Ongoing Medical Examiner analysis to identify victims and manner of death
NOT CHARGED YET: As of Dec. 5, 2025, Rhone is only a “person of interest.” No homicide charges have been filed regarding the buried remains.
RUMOR VS. FACT
RUMOR: Social media claims Rhone is responsible for “dozens of disappearances.”
FACT: No such evidence has been released. Authorities have confirmed only that multiple remains were found — not numbers, genders, or timelines.
RUMOR: Neighbors reported screams and strange smells during Rhone’s tenancy.
FACT: No official documentation of those claims has been released.
RUMOR: The current tenants reported finding bones themselves.
FACT: They were forced to evacuate Dec. 1, 2025 when agents informed them a search warrant was imminent. They did not discover remains.
THE HUMAN IMPACT — TERROR ON NEWTON AVENUE
Imagine relaxing with your family on a Sunday night, then someone knocks and says:
“You need to leave your home. We’re digging for bodies.”
That’s what happened to the Estrada-Gonzalez sisters on Nov. 30, 2025. Now they’re in temporary housing while their backyard becomes a crime scene straight out of a horror film.
Meanwhile, families across San Diego are waiting for a call — wondering if their missing loved one is among the victims.
YOUR TURN
What do you think happened at 3443 Newton Avenue?
Is Rhone hiding decades of secrets — or is there another explanation?
Drop your thoughts below. Your insight might help crack the case.
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