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
    • Testimonials
    • 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
    • Testimonials
    • 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
News
New federal energy bill introduced
‘Energy Choice Act’ seeks to ensure consumer access to energy sources including natural gas
July 14, 2025
By Marcelle Dibrell A Republican-led but technically bipartisan bill called the Energy Choice Act has been introduced in Congress, aiming to settle th...
this is a test
News
Crystal clear water requires top filtration
July 14, 2025
When it comes to maintaining sparkling clean pool and spa water, filters are the silent workhorses of the system, doing one of the most important jobs...
this is a test
News
appliances, including outdoor pool and ….
July 14, 2025
appliances, including outdoor pool and spa heaters. In his press release, Langworthy calls the Energy Choice Act both “bipartisan” and “bicameral,” no...
this is a test
Ban on natural gas appliances stalled
News
Ban on natural gas appliances stalled
July 14, 2025
An effort to curb Southern California’s smog problem by phasing out gas-powered water heaters and furnaces has stalled with a recently rejected propos...
this is a test
News
New PHTA, ANSI standards available
July 14, 2025
The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) have approved and newly re-published three industry standards:...
this is a test
News
CA water suppliers to par ticipate in conservation efforts
July 14, 2025
A sweeping new regulation is changing the way water conservation is enforced across California, shifting the burden away from individual households an...
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. 12-14, Dallas, Texas
  • The Pool and Spa Show
    Jan. 28-30, Atlantic City, New Jersey
  • 35th Annual National Plasterers Conference
    Feb. 26-28, Lake Buena Vista, Florida
  • The Southwest Pool and Spa Show
    Feb. 4-8, Houston, Texas
  • The Western Pool and Spa Show
    Feb. 6-8, 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