Ron Harnish (7 of Clubs, California)

Summary of Ron Harnish (7 of Clubs, California)

by Audiochuck

24m•October 1, 2025
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Summary — “Ron Harnish (7 of Clubs, California)” — The Deck (audiochuck)

Overview

This episode recounts the 2006 unsolved murder of 22-year-old Navy sailor Ron Harnish in San Diego’s Golden Hill neighborhood. Ron was shot and killed less than a mile from home after getting out of a car to approach a man allegedly flashing gang signs. Investigators suspected members of the local Lomas gang, particularly a young member referred to as “Rich,” but limited physical evidence and witness challenges prevented charges. The case went cold; Ron’s mother, Tracy Wild, pushed aggressively for leads and rewards. The case has recently been reopened with new forensic testing on the shell casings.

Key points / main takeaways

  • Incident: On Dec 27, 2006 Ron Harnish was found shot in the shoulder and head near 30th & C Street in San Diego and died at the scene.
  • Witnesses: Two Navy friends (pseudonyms Paul and Aaron) were with him; both flagged down an officer. Paul was wounded in the arm. They described two young Hispanic men fleeing; the shorter one was the shooter.
  • Evidence: Scene had six .22-caliber shell casings. No DNA or fingerprints were initially recoverable; no murder weapon was found at the time.
  • Ballistics link: The same gun was used three days earlier in another shooting a half-block away (a failed “where are you from?” gang challenge), suggesting a gang motive—possibly an initiation.
  • Suspect focus: Investigators focused on the local Lomas gang. A member dubbed “Rich” emerged as a person of interest: his gang moniker was spray-painted near the scene, he had a criminal history, and police had earlier recovered a rifle he likely dumped (though that rifle was not the murder weapon).
  • Prosecution barriers: DA repeatedly cited lack of physical evidence, no murder weapon, and witness credibility concerns (gang culture and code of silence) as obstacles to charging anyone.
  • Family advocacy: Ron’s mother, Tracy, pursued a governor’s reward (initially rejected then later approved by Governor Schwarzenegger) and public attention; a cold-case multi-agency task force reviewed the case (NCIS, FBI, DEA, Border Patrol, SDPD, DA).
  • Current status: Detective Tracy Barr is actively re-investigating and has re-interviewed witnesses and submitted the original shell casings for advanced testing using newer recovery technology to try to extract latent prints or other evidence. “Rich” is still considered a person of interest but has never been charged; he was reportedly released from prison recently (from an unrelated conviction).
  • Reward: There is an active reward of $57,500 for information leading to an arrest/conviction.

Notable quotes / insights

  • Detective Tracy Barr on modern testing: “We can actually revisit shell casings that have been processed in the past... and extract more fingerprints that are... ingrained into the metal.”
  • On the human cost: “Whoever killed Ron took away an entire future and a lifetime of new memories that he'll never get to make with his family.”
  • From Ron’s mother about a personal memory — showing his character: a Mother’s Day poem he wrote, reflecting family love and who he was beyond the headline.

Topics discussed

  • The shooting and immediate police response
  • Witness accounts and inconsistencies
  • Gang activity in Golden Hill (Lomas gang: symbols, territory, criminal activity)
  • Ballistics and the unusual use of a sawed-off rifle
  • Forensic limitations in 2006 vs. modern advances (latent print recovery from shell casings)
  • Cold-case investigation processes and multi-agency task forces
  • Family-led advocacy and pursuit of rewards (Governor’s Award / Crimestoppers)
  • Legal/prosecutorial thresholds and witness credibility issues in gang cases
  • How unsolved murders impact families long-term

Timeline (concise)

  • Nov 2006: “Rich” reportedly dumped a rifle behind a dumpster; later recovered—could not link to homicide.
  • Dec 24, 2006: Shot fired in alley (possible initiation attempt) near the later murder site; no victims hit.
  • Dec 27, 2006: Ron Harnish shot and killed near 30th & C Street. Six .22 casings recovered.
  • 2008–2012: Mother pursues Governor’s reward; multi-agency cold-case review occurs.
  • 2009: “Rich” convicted in unrelated assault (later 16-year sentence).
  • Recent (as of episode): Detective Barr reopens investigation and submits shell casings for modern recovery testing.

Action items / recommendations

  • If you have information, contact:
    • Detective Tracy Barr, San Diego PD: 619-825-7000 or 619-531-2239
    • San Diego Crime Stoppers (anonymous): 888-580-8477
  • Note the reward: $57,500 for information leading to arrest/conviction.
  • For those interested in cold-case advocacy: follow The Deck Podcast (TheDeckPodcast.com) for updates and ways to support families and awareness efforts.
  • Investigative note: Advances in forensic technology (latent print recovery from casings) may produce new leads—anyone with past connections to the Lomas gang or who witnessed suspicious activity in late 2006 in Golden Hill should consider coming forward.

This episode centers on unresolved justice, the role of family persistence, and how new forensic methods can reopen hope in cold cases.