A 59-year-old pool serviceman, who is self-employed, has pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, burglary, forging a signature, and committing a robbery. Benjamin Briones, from Thousand Palms, is accused of killing a 93-year-old woman in Palm Desert. The incident was reported on November 30, 2021.
During a preliminary hearing at the Larson Justice Center in Indio, Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Investigator Gustavo Castaneda testified that Briones used to be the victim’s pool cleaner but was fired due to a disagreement over payment. On the day of the incident, a new pool cleaner noticed suspicious signs at the victim’s home, including open blinds and a running water hose. When there was no answer at the door, authorities were contacted.
Investigation revealed that a check had been stolen from the victim’s home and deposited at an ATM machine in a nearby Albertson’s store. Surveillance footage from the store and the victim’s home showed a pool truck and a person matching Briones’ description. Briones was subsequently arrested on December 3, 2021, during a traffic stop and confessed to the crime during an interview at the Palm Desert sheriff’s station. He admitted to assaulting the victim and taking the checks.
After the preliminary hearing, Riverside County Superior Court Judge Anthony Villalobos determined that there was enough evidence for Briones to stand trial on all charges. The arraignment is scheduled for July 10th.
The victim, Jean Grace Willrich, was found dead with signs of trauma consistent with a homicide at her residence on Michigan Drive in Palm Desert. Briones was arrested in Rancho Mirage and is currently held at the John Benoit Detention Center in Indio without bail. He has no prior convictions in Riverside County.
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