Robert Bettencourt, 78, was found shot to death inside his Winchester home in the 28000 block of Whitaker Street near Grand Avenue. The killing occurred on March 3, 2023, but the body was not discovered until March 6 when family members, unable to contact him, requested a welfare check. Deputies reported forced entry and signs of a struggle at the scene.

After a two-month investigation, four men were arrested and charged with first-degree murder, robbery and burglary, with special-circumstance allegations that the killing occurred during the commission of a robbery and burglary. The complaint identifies Kevin Richard Hirsch as the alleged shooter. A judge found sufficient evidence at a preliminary hearing in August 2023 to send all four defendants to trial; they remain held without bail in separate detention facilities. Court records show prior criminal histories for the defendants.

Anyone who knew Robert or has information about the incident is asked to come forward.