Missing Person Investigation 

May 15, 2026 – Riverside County Sheriff’s Office officials report that on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, about 7:00 a.m., investigators from the Southwest Station began investigating the disappearance of 61-year-old Frank Torres, a resident of Pauma Valley. Torres was reported missing by his family members on May 12, 2026. During the investigation, investigators located Torres’ vehicle abandoned near a local park in Temecula. Based on suspicious circumstances, investigators from the Central Homicide Unit were notified and assumed the investigation.

Homicide investigators identified 66-year-old Derek Arnett as a person who was wanted for questioning in Torres’ disappearance. Investigators located Arnett 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 noticed he had injuries consistent with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Deputies attempted life-saving measures until paramedics arrived. Arnett was ultimately pronounced deceased at the scene.

Torres has not been located. The investigation is still ongoing, and no other information will be released at this time.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone with information regarding Torres’ whereabouts or the incident to contact Central Homicide Unit Investigator Hernandez at (951) 955-2777 or Southwest Station Investigator Mills at (951) 696-3000.

Reporting Supervisor: Sergeant Alberto Loureiro

File # TE261320191

Source: Riverside County Sheriff’s Office