LA MESA MURDER SUSPECT SOUGHT; CONSIDERED ARMED & DANGEROUS, SHERIFF WARNS

September 8, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)--William D. Gore, Sheriff, San Diego County, today announced a manhunt initiated by the San Diego Fugitive Task Force to locate Richard Dean Neff. Neff is suspected of a murder which occurred in La Mesa early yesterday morning. Neff, a transient and known drug user, according to the Sheriff's special bulletin,  is considered to be armed and extremely dangerous.

Neff is sought in connection with the beating death of Ronald Kardian in the early-morning hours of Labor Day. As a party within the 4100 block of Avoyer in La Mesa was dissipating, Neff and Kardian engaged in a fistfight, according to a Sheriff’s report. Eventually, both parties left the scene and Kardian returned to his residence in Spring Valley. Later in the morning, he complained about his injuries and was taken to Grossmont Hospital, where he died at approximately 7:00 a.m.

Neff, 47, is described as a “transient” who frequents the East County area and is a known methamphetamine user. He is known to carry a handgun in his back at all times. He is 5 feet 11 inches tall, weighs 220 pounds with short brown hair, blue eyes and multiple tattoos. He may be driving a white BMW convertible.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the San Diego Sheriff’s Department at 858-565-5200 or speak with Detective Tsuida, homicide Detail,l at (858)974-2321 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.  Reference San Diego Sheriff's case # 09058294.

Calls may be made anonymously to San Diego County Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477, where a reward of up to $1,000 is offered.