October 21, 2026 – San Diego County Sheriff's Office officials report that they have called off the search for Sexually Violent Predator Merle Wakefield after he was found deceased in the City of San Diego.

On Monday, October 19, just after 9:30 a.m., the San Diego Police Department responded to a call of a human body that was discovered in a riverbed near the 4800 block of Fairmount Avenue.

The San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office responded and later positively identified the body to be Wakefield. The Medical Examiner’s Office will perform an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of Wakefield’s death. His next of kin has been notified.

Because this is still an active investigation, no further information will be released at this time.

On September 25, Wakefield removed his GPS device while at work in Rancho Bernardo and absconded from the scene.

Personnel with Liberty Healthcare, which was in charge of supervising Wakefield as part of the State's Conditional Release Program, notified the San Diego County Sheriff's Office and San Diego Police Department when Wakefield could not be located. All law enforcement agencies in the region were also alerted, as well as the public and media.

Related: San Diego County Sheriff Issues Update on Disappearance of Sexually Violent Predator Merle Wakefield

Sexually Violent Predator Sought by San Diego County Sheriff After Removing GPS Monitor

Since Wakefield’s disappearance, the San Diego Sexual Assault Felony Enforcement (SAFE) Task Force worked diligently investigating this case and followed all tips and leads.

San Diego Sheriff wants to thank its law enforcement partners, as well as the community and media, for their assistance with this case.

 

A reminder: If You See Something, Say Something.

Report any suspicious activity by calling your local law enforcement agency. In the event of an emergency, call 9-1-1. You can also remain anonymous by calling San Diego County Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.

Source & photo: San Diego County Sheriff's Office