One of the men accused of gunning down a 78-year-old Winchester resident during a home invasion robbery has been convicted of first-degree murder and other charges. A jury at Southwest Justice Center in French Valley returned verdicts Tuesday, March 18, against Clifford John Franken, 54, of Hemet, f inding him guilty of the murder count, as well as robbery, burglary and special-circumstance allegations of killing in the course of a robbery and killing in the commission of a burglary. Riverside County Superior Court Judge Stephen Gallon set a sentencing hearing for May 30. According to a trial brief filed by the prosecution, four men conspired to break into the home of Robert Bettencourt in 2023 after learning from people who had worked around the double-wide trailer that the victim kept a large stash of rare coins and firearms. Franken and his three co-defendants were granted separate trials. During proceedings last month for 47-year-old Kevin Richard Hirsch of Menifee, he reached a plea deal with the District Attorney’s Office, admitting murder, the special circumstance allegation for burglary, and the burglary and robbery counts. The special circumstance allegation for robbery was dropped in exchange for Hirsch’s other admissions. He is slated for sentencing on May 23. Matthew Patrick Fromer, 52, of Menifee is also on trial, and the prosecution was still summoning witnesses in his case. He’s charged identically to Franken, as is Joseph Michael Salvati, 34, of Hemet, whose trial is scheduled to start at the end of the month. Related Articles Courts | 10 charged in scheme to smuggle drugs into Riverside County jail by hiding them in body cavities, then getting arrested Courts | 10 charged in scheme to smuggle drugs into Riverside County jail by hiding them in body cavities, then getting arrested Courts | Mother left dead boy on bed surrounded by Disneyland souvenirs after killing him, DA says Courts | Son accused of killing Azusa couple in their home Courts | Spring Breakers beware: Thieves are sending your stolen phone to China. Here’s how you can prevent it ...read more read less