Authorities investigating the suspicious disappearance of 61-year-old Frank Torres of Pauma Valley identified 66-year-old Derek Arnett as a person wanted for questioning before Arnett was found dead in Temecula with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
On Wednesday, May 13, at about 7:00 a.m., investigators from the Southwest Station began investigating the Torres’ disappearance after his family reported him missing on May 12. During the investigation, Torres’ abandoned vehicle was located near a park in Temecula. Due to suspicious circumstances surrounding this case, investigators from the Central Homicide Unit assumed the investigation.
Homicide investigators later identified Arnett as a person who was wanted for questioning in Torres’ disappearance. Arnett was located in his vehicle in the area of Wolf Valley Road and Wolf Valley Creek Drive in Temecula. The vehicle stopped in a parking lot off of Pechanga Parkway.
Believing Arnett may have a weapon, the Riverside Sheriff’s Emergency Services Team responded to assist. When deputies contacted Arnett, they discovered he had injuries consistent with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Deputies attempted life-saving measures until paramedics arrived, but Arnett was ultimately pronounced deceased at the scene.
Torres has not been located. This investigation is still ongoing. Anyone with information regarding Torres’ whereabouts is asked to contact Central Homicide Unit Investigator Hernandez at 951-955–2777 or Investigator Mills at the Southwest Station at 951-696–3000.
