On March 3, 2023, 78-year-old Robert Bettencourt was fatally shot during a home invasion robbery at his residence in the 28000 block of Whitaker Street, near Grand Avenue, in Winchester, California. The crime remained undiscovered until March 6, when concerned family members requested a welfare check after being unable to contact him. Responding deputies found signs of forced entry and evidence of a struggle, leading to the discovery of Bettencourt's body inside the home.
Following a two-month investigation, authorities arrested four suspects in connection with Bettencourt's death:
- **Clifford John Franken**, 53, of Hemet
- **Matthew Patrick Fromer**, 51, of Menifee
- **Kevin Richard Hirsch**, 46, of Menifee
- **Joseph Michael Salvati**, 34, of Hemet
Each was charged with first-degree murder, robbery, burglary, and special circumstance allegations of killing during the commission of a robbery and burglary. The criminal complaint identifies Hirsch as the alleged shooter.
In August 2023, following a preliminary hearing at the Southwest Justice Center, Riverside County Superior Court Judge John Davis found sufficient evidence to proceed to trial on all charges against the four defendants. They are currently held without bail in various detention facilities:
- **Franken**: Byrd Detention Center, Murrieta
- **Fromer**: Byrd Detention Center, Murrieta
- **Hirsch**: Robert Presley Jail, Riverside
- **Salvati**: Smith Correctional Facility, Banning
Court records indicate prior criminal histories for the defendants, including vehicle theft, driving under the influence of drugs, carjacking, and felony evading.
As the legal proceedings continue, the community and Bettencourt's family await justice for the tragic loss of a respected resident.
