San Francisco, CA – Today, San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced that Ricky Dawson (65) was charged with murder in connection to a 1992 cold case murder and rape. Mr. Dawson was extradited from Colorado where he was serving a life sentence in connection to a 1996 sexual assault murder in Denver, Colorado.

Mr. Dawson was arraigned on July 20, 2026, pleaded not guilty to all charges and denied the allegations.

Mr. Dawson is charged with murder (PC 187(a)), with a special circumstance of a prior murder conviction for a 2004 Florida conviction of sexual assault murder (PC 190.2(a)(2)), a special circumstance allegation of rape (PC 190.2(a)(17)(C)) and a special circumstance allegation of sodomy (PC 190.2(a)(17)(D)).

The District Attorney’s Office moved to have Mr. Dawson detained pending trial without bail due to the public safety risk he poses. The court set no bail, and Mr. Dawson remains in custody. Mr. Dawson’s next court date is July 30, 2026, for the preliminary hearing in this case.

According to court documents, on May 2, 1992, at approximately 6:14 p.m., San Francisco Police Officers responded to Hang Ah Alley and Clay Street near 98 Hang Ah Alley and found an adult female victim lying on the ground inside a utility corridor.

An autopsy was performed and multiple traumatic injuries to the victim were noted. The forensic pathologist determined the cause of death to be asphyxia due to strangulation. Later DNA testing concluded that the sperm cells found on the victim’s vaginal and rectal swabs matched to Mr. Dawson.

Although charges have been filed, this remains an active investigation. Anyone with information regarding this case, is asked to call the San Francisco Police Department Tip Line at 1-415-575-4444 or Text a Tip to TIP411 and begin the text message with SFPD.  You may remain anonymous.

Court Number: 26016862

###