SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — A 74-year-old man already charged with murder has become a person of interest in connection with human remains discovered at a Southcrest home where he used to live.
Dwight Rhone previously lived at the home on Newton Avenue, where investigators have been searching for the past two days. Law enforcement continues their investigation at the property, including San Diego Police cold-case detectives.
Investigators told ABC 10News they were at the location for a case relating back to 2023. The District Attorney's office has provided additional details that help piece together the mystery.
Rhone has a long criminal record and what appears to be several mental health cases listed in court records. According to the DA's office, Rhone is currently in custody and charged with the homicide of Bernardo Moreno.
Moreno's body was discovered in October 2023 while crews were putting out a fire just off the 905 freeway. Police said Moreno's body was found along the brush fire area.
In the Southcrest case, police have only named Rhone as a person of interest.
Thursday morning, ABC 10News reporter Adam Campos obtained photos from a neighbor giving a closer look at the crime scene as investigators dug through the backyard at 3443 Newton Ave. 10News is aware of law enforcement entering the crawl space under the house.
Campos also spoke to Rhone's nephew, David, who described him as "the black sheep of the family."
"He came from a stable home environment, where his mother worked diligently. Was never impoverished — he always had what he needed. So his wanting to be in the criminal element was all on him," David said.
David also indicated he hadn't seen or spoken to Rhone in more than 20 years, saying he didn't really have a relationship with him since he was constantly in and out of prison.
David says the last time he saw him, Rhone was living under. A bridge near the home on Newton Avenue. It was one of his last attempts to try and get Rhone help.
"I had driven in from out of state to get him to go to rehab, and he would not go. He was content, happy with living up under the bridge, so that's why I left him," David says.
Neighbors say they are stunned about what's happening in their community.
"Hopefully, we get better answers...we don't know what's really going on," Miguel Bernal said.
The investigation on Newton Avenue started Monday morning. According to the California Highway Patrol, the investigation began when they acted on a tip, carried out a search warrant, and discovered the human remains at the house.
San Diego Police cold case and missing persons detectives and the county's forensic office are leading the joint investigation.
Two women had been living on the property for about a year, unaware of the human remains. They have since been relocated.
Other neighbors say a person who fits Rhone's description lived at the house for years and never let anyone near the side of the house where investigators are currently working.
