logo
    • News
    • Classifieds
    • Free Subscription
    • Book Store
    • Submit
      • Submit a Classified Ad
      • Submit an Educational Announcement
      • Submit a letter to The Editor
    • Past Issues
    • Regional Trade Shows
    • Contact
    • News
    • Classifieds
    • Free Subscription
    • Book Store
    • Submit
      • Submit a Classified Ad
      • Submit an Educational Announcement
      • Submit a letter to The Editor
    • Past Issues
    • Regional Trade Shows
    • Contact
Service tech charged with murder
News
December 31, 2021
Service tech charged with murder

A California pool and spa service technician has been charged with first-degree murder in the November death of a 93-year-old woman.

Benjamin Briones, 60, was arrested by Riverside County Sheriff’s Department investigators on Dec. 3 and booked without bail into the John Benoit Detention Center in Indio, California. He pleaded not guilty to the murder during his court appearance on Dec. 9 at the Larson Justice Center in Indio.

According to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, on Nov. 30, Palm Desert Station deputies responded to a report of a suspicious death at the residence of Jean Grace Willrich, the 93-yearold victim. When deputies arrived, they found a deceased female inside the residence suffering from trauma to her body consistent with a homicide. The scene was secured, and the Central Homicide Unit responded and assumed the investigation.

Briones, a resident of Thousand Palms and self-employed pool serviceman, was arrested three days later near Bob Hope and Frank Sinatra Drives in Rancho Mirage.

The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office filed one felony count each of murder, burglary and forging a signature against Briones, who pleaded not guilty to the charges during his arraignment at the Larson Justice Center on Dec. 9.

According to the charging document, Willrich’s murder was “for financial gain.”

Investigators say Briones entered Willrich’s Michigan Drive home on or about Nov. 29 “with the intent to commit theft and a felony.”

They say that Briones unlawfully signed a check to be drawn from Willrich’s account in the amount of $7,650.

A felony settlement conference was scheduled for Dec. 20. Briones will remain in custody without bail.

Anyone with information on the death of Willrich is urged to call Investigator Castaneda with the Sheriff’s Central Homicide Unit at 951-955-2777 or Investigator Chua of the Palm Desert Sheriff Station at 760-836-1600.

Benjamin Briones Photo credit: News Channel 3 YouTube

LATEST NEWS
3 insurance carriers limit new policies
News
3 insurance carriers limit new policies
California’s home insurance policies are on the chopping block, citing increased risk and cost
September 14, 2023
California’s home insurance policies are on the chopping block, citing increased risk and cost
this is a test
News
Winterizing pools proves lucrative
September 14, 2023
Seasonal jobs, which vary across different regions, often contribute significantly to a service firm’s profit margin, especially considering that many...
this is a test
Brain eating amoeba scare in Arlington, TX
News
Brain eating amoeba scare in Arlington, TX
September 14, 2023
Out of an abundance of caution, the city of Arlington, Texas, briefly closed all of its swimming pools and splash pads as they awaited test results fo...
this is a test
New KY lifeguard law sinks swimming pools
News
New KY lifeguard law sinks swimming pools
September 14, 2023
The fate of at least five large swimming pools in Kentucky is uncertain because of new state regulations about the number of lifeguards required at sw...
this is a test
Legionnaires’ disease kills 2 at Calif. spa
News
Legionnaires’ disease kills 2 at Calif. spa
September 14, 2023
A Richmond, California, day spa is permanently closed after two people died of Legionnaires’ Disease, contracted in its hot tub. Zen Day Spa, located ...
this is a test
Blowing water out of pool plumbing
News
Blowing water out of pool plumbing
September 14, 2023
When winterizing swimming pools in areas that experience deep freezes, it is common practice to use air to blow out the water lines so that the water ...
this is a test
Read Our Newsletter
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
Free Subscription
View Current Print Ads
Educational Announcements
Aquatic Training Institute

Educational Leverage

Foundation For Pool Industry Education

Locey Pool

Pool Chemistry Training Institute

Pool & Hot Tub Alliance

Portofino University

Underwater Pool Masters
Trade Show Dates
  • The International Pool Spa Patio Expo
    Nov. 15-17, Las Vegas, Nevada
  • The Pool and Spa Show
    Jan. 24-26, Atlantic City, New Jersey
  • 34th Annual National Plasterers Conference
    Feb. 8-10, Coronado, California
  • The Southwest Pool and Spa Show
    Feb. 9-11, Houston, Texas
  • The Western Pool and Spa Show
    Mar. 23-25, Long Beach, California
Books to Order
About Us Terms of Use Privacy Policy
We use cookies to ensure that our website gives you the best experience possible. By continuing to use this website, you agree to this use of cookies.OK