Authorities in California have charged the son of a legendary rock band drummer with murder after a drone led to the discovery of a woman’s body in a remote area.
The body of Patricia Portella-Wright, 48, was found by a drone operated by the Placer County Sheriff’s Office, leading to the arrest of Brent Chandler Clifford, 55, the son of Creedence Clearwater Revival drummer Doug Clifford, as the Western Journal reports.
Portella-Wright, a resident of Kings Beach, California, was reported missing after last being seen with her boyfriend, Brent Clifford, on Aug. 4. Authorities located her body on a steep embankment near Mt. Rose Highway in Nevada, approximately 26 miles from where another victim, 68-year-old William Andrews, was discovered shot to death in Reno.
The Placer County Sheriff’s Office, utilizing a drone to navigate the challenging terrain of the mountainous Lake Tahoe region, located the remains of Portella-Wright. The use of the drone was critical, given the steep and difficult-to-access location where the body was found. The discovery was announced via the Sheriff’s Office Facebook page, which also noted the temporary closure of the highway during the recovery process.
Brent Chandler Clifford, son of rock legend Doug Clifford, was taken into custody on Wednesday and is currently being held at South Placer County Jail without bail. Clifford had traveled to Reno, Nevada, on August 9, the same day Portella-Wright was reported missing, to visit a friend, William Andrews. Just two days later, Andrews was found dead from a gunshot wound.
According to Lt. Dave Smith, spokesperson for the Placer County Sheriff’s Office, detectives are now focusing on gathering more information about the circumstances leading to these deaths. "Right now, detectives are working to interview anybody that might have information on what occurred: friends, family members, acquaintances," Smith said.
After the discovery of Andrews' body, authorities learned that Clifford had fled Reno in Andrews’ red 2003 Chevrolet Blazer. This vehicle, along with Clifford’s sudden departure, played a significant role in the unfolding investigation that eventually led back to Portella-Wright’s disappearance and death.
The relationship between Clifford and Portella-Wright, which ended tragically, was further complicated by his connection to the second victim, Andrews. Investigators are now piecing together the events that transpired between August 4 and the discovery of the two bodies.
Clifford’s arrest marks a significant development in the case, particularly given his connection to the iconic rock band, Creedence Clearwater Revival. Despite his lineage, Clifford is now facing serious charges, with the legal process just beginning to unfold.
Portella-Wright’s death has been officially deemed the result of "apparent foul play" by the Placer County Sheriff’s Office, a conclusion that has only deepened the mystery surrounding this case. The use of advanced technology, such as drones, has proven crucial in navigating the rugged terrain and bringing some measure of resolution to a complex investigation.
The Sheriff’s Office continues to seek out anyone who may have additional information about the circumstances surrounding the deaths of both Portella-Wright and Andrews. Friends, family members, and acquaintances are being interviewed to shed light on what might have led to this tragic sequence of events.
The case is ongoing, with authorities working diligently to uncover the full story behind these deaths. Clifford, who remains in custody without bail, will likely face a lengthy legal battle as more details emerge.
As investigators delve deeper into the lives of both the suspect and the victims, the broader implications of this case continue to resonate, highlighting the tragic outcomes of personal relationships gone wrong.
