Body of Registered Sex Offender Found in San Diego
The San Diego County Medical Examiner identified 69-year-old Merle Wakefield in a city riverbed.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Sex Crimes
San Diego police discovered the body of 69-year-old Merle Wakefield in a riverbed near the 4800 block of Fairmount Avenue on Monday morning. Authorities identified the remains after responding to a report shortly after 9:30 a.m.
Why it matters
Wakefield had been on conditional release since November 2024 following prior convictions for lewd acts and rape. The discovery marks an end to a period of monitoring for the individual, who was under the supervision of Liberty Health Care.
Merle Wakefield was a registered sex offender who had been on conditional release since November 2024. He was previously convicted of lewd or lascivious acts with a child and rape by force in both 1980 and 1991.
The players
Merle Wakefield
He was a 69-year-old man who had prior convictions for lewd acts and rape.
San Diego Police
This is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for investigating the discovery of the body.
San Diego County Medical Examiner
This government office is responsible for conducting autopsies and confirming the identity of deceased individuals in the region.
Liberty Health Care
This organization provides healthcare and supervision services, including monitoring for individuals on conditional release.
The details
Police located the body in the riverbed near Fairmount Avenue following an emergency report received Monday. Wakefield had been employed in the Rancho Bernardo area while under the supervision of Liberty Health Care.
Timeline
1980: Wakefield was convicted of lewd acts and rape.
1991: Wakefield was convicted of lewd acts and rape.
November 2024: Wakefield began his conditional release.
September 25, 2026: Wakefield removed his GPS device.
October 19, 2026: The body was found after 9:30 a.m.
Legal Context
The case follows established protocols under California's conditional release program for sex offenders. This structure provides ongoing supervision for individuals like Wakefield, managing their integration and tracking until the conclusion of their legal requirements.
The discovery occurred in a public riverbed area, prompting local authorities to secure the scene for investigation. Residents in the vicinity of Fairmount Avenue may see continued police presence as officials work to determine the circumstances surrounding the death.
The takeaway
Authorities have not yet released the findings regarding the cause of death. Local officials continue to process the scene where the body was located to finalize the investigation.
Further reading
Find more local coverage on Sex Crimes in the San Diego area.
