Murder Suspect Links 1992 San Francisco Case, Awaiting Trial in Denver

San Francisco police have linked the cold case murder of 45-year-old Nancy Hernandez, found dead in 1992, to Ricky Dawson, a man currently awaiting trial for another murder in Denver. Hernandez, who was homeless, was discovered in a utility corridor and had been beaten, strangled, and sexually assaulted. The case remained unsolved until the San Francisco Cold Case Unit reopened it in October 2023, leading to a DNA match with Dawson. He is also connected to three additional homicide cases in Panama Beach, Florida, Seattle, and another in Denver. An arrest warrant for Dawson related to Hernandez's death was issued on January 2, and he will be extradited to San Francisco after his trial in Denver. Police Chief Bill Scott emphasized the commitment to solving cold cases, stating that justice for victims and their families is a priority.