Slain Bridge Teacher Had Sex-Related Arrests

A 49-year-old bridge instructor from South County whose bullet-riddled body was found in a creek bed Tuesday had been arrested several times on sex-related charges, according to court records.

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Police are looking into the possibility that his death took place during an abortive sexual encounter.

Rodney Duane Peller was found shot to death in the bed of Santiago Creek, not far from his car, which contained $3,000 to $4,000 in cash. Police said they do not know why Peller had so much cash with him at the time of his death.

Peller, whose last known address was Mission Viejo, was arrested at least three times in restrooms in Orange County by undercover officers on suspicion of soliciting for sexual acts and sex in a public place, according to court records. The arrests in Orange County took place in Santa Ana and Dana Point, and resulted in fines and probation. Sources said he was arrested on similar charges in Northern California.

A maintenance worker discovered Peller’s body on the south side of the creek near a walking trail at the west side of Hart Park. Police said that Santiago Day Camp, which is next to Hart Park, is known as a location for sexual assignations for gay men.

Peller’s body was fully clothed and there was no sign that he had been robbed of any personal property, authorities said.

Orange Police Lt. Timm Browne said that police believe “it is certainly a possibility” that the shooting took place during a sexual encounter in the riverbed.

Peller taught bridge, mostly to groups of seniors, around South County, police said. He was described as “energetic, always pleasant,” by an acquaintance at a South County recreation center, who spoke on condition that her name not be published.

“He was very efficient, he never missed” sessions, teaching daytime groups at the center on Mondays and Wednesdays, she said.

Recreation officials said they were not sure where Peller lived and that they contacted him through a post office box.

Times correspondent Frank Messina contributed to this story.