Update:
On December 3, 2021, Investigators from Central Homicide Unit arrested Benjamin Briones, 60-year-old resident of Thousand Palms for the homicide of Jean Grace Willrich. Briones is a self-employed pool service man. Briones was booked into the John J. Benoit Detention Center. If anyone has information regarding this investigation, they are encouraged to call Investigator Castaneda with Central Homicide Unit at 951-955-2777 or Investigator Chua of the Palm Desert Sheriff Station at 760-836-1600.
Update:
The victim in this case has been identified as Jean Grace Willrich, 93-year-old, resident of Palm Desert. Next of kin notification has been made. If anyone has information regarding this investigation, they are encouraged to call Investigator Castaneda with Central Homicide Unit at 951-955-2777 or Investigator Chua of the Palm Desert Sheriff Station at 760-836-1600.
Citizens may also submit a tip using the Sheriff’s Homicide Tipline online form.
Details:
On November 30, at 12:55 p.m., Palm Desert Station deputies responded to the 77000 block of Michigan Dr., reference a suspicious death investigation. When deputies arrived, they located 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. The victim’s identity is being withheld pending next of kin notification.
If anyone has information regarding this investigation, they are encouraged to call Investigator Castaneda with Central Homicide Unit at 951-955-2777 or Investigator Chua of the Palm Desert Sheriff Station at 760-836-1600.
For media inquiries regarding this incident please contact the Media Information Bureau.
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