Pool man accused of killing 93-year-old California woman for 'financial gain,' authorities say

A California man accused of slaying a 93-year-old woman pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder, according to reports.

On Dec. 9, Benjamin Briones, 60, entered the plea in connection to the slaying of Jean Grace Willrich in her Palm Desert home.

Charging documents obtained by KESQ-TV alleged Briones, a pool serviceman, went to Willrich’s residence around Nov. 29 "with the intent to commit theft and a felony” and “financial gain” was the motive for the elderly victim’s killing.

According to the documents, Brione allegedly forged a signature on a check for $7,650 from Willrich’s Bank of America account.

On Nov. 30, members of the Riverside County Sheriff's Department responded to the home for a report of a suspicious death. When they arrived, deputies found Willrich.

Briones is being held without bail at the John Benoit Detention Center.