Deputy Morin secures the crime scene at Hotei Lane and Marion Ridge in Pine Cove. The street was closed to through traffic during the investigation. Photo by Halie Johnson

Riverside County Sheriff’s Department responded to the 25000 block of Hotei Lane in Pine Cove on Monday Sept. 24 to assist CAL FIRE first responders with what was initially described as a request for medical aid. A neighbor made the call to 911. Deputies responded at approximately 11:24 a.m.

 

According to Hemet Station’s Special Investigations Supervisor Sgt. Wallace Clear, upon arrival deputies found 69 year old Christopher “Kit” Clark deceased from what the Sheriff’s Department is calling “an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.”

Clark’s 24 year old son Benjamin Egan, who lived with Clark, was detained at the scene and is currently incarcerated on two outstanding drug related warrants. Egan is being held at Larry B. Smith Correctional Facility in Banning on $50,000 bail on two felony charges of possession of controlled substances.

It is not normally the paper’s policy to report on apparent suicides in private residences, but given the already highly publicized speculation within the community, the intense and extensive police presence at the scene over a 12 hour period, and the more than 24-hour delay in receiving official confirmation of the identity of the decedent, an editorial decision was made to report the information supplied in the Sheriff’s Department’s official release on the investigation.

The investigation into the circumstances of Clark’s death is continuing and the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department is asking anyone with information regarding this incident to contact Hemet Station at (951) 791-3400.

A man being detained at the scene of the possible homicide investigation. Photo by Halie Johnson

 

Capt. Scot Collins, far left, speaks to investigators. Photo by Halie Johnson

 

Investigators speak to the first responders from Pine Cove station 23 and Idyllwild Fire Protection District. Photo by Halie Johnson

 

Investigators, including forensics specialists, prepare to examine the scene. Photo by Halie Johnson

 

Investigators head into the house. Photo by Halie Johnson

 

Coroner officials remove the body late Monday afternoon. Photo by Jenny Kirchner

10 COMMENTS

  1. The chamber of commerce must be drinking themselves into a frenzy over how to PR this away…I never was quite sure what the chmber did, as I recall they drank and ate to excess at a restaurant in which I worked years ago over just business as usual.

  2. Re: sober1: That was one of the most insensitive comments I have ever read. We are dealing with a tragedy here in our neighborhood and you feel the need to pontificate that you are a superior being due to the fact that you choose not to drink alcohol: (I am just guessing by your user-name) and then project your displaced hostility towards the "Idyllwild Chamber of Commerce" which is an organization that has absolutely nothing to do with the current criminal investigation into the death of my neighbor and a human being.
    Our small mountain top community is a microcosm of the world at large. There is no place on this planet that is free from pain, sorrow and unfortunately; crime.
    I suggest if you are truly curious what the Idyllwild Chamber of Commerce does then attend their meetings and ask them. Get out there and get involved. Observing from a distance and hiding behind anonymity while throwing barbs is detrimental to the building of community; not helpful at all. Just my thoughts… May you find peace in your life.

  3. Re: sober1: That was one of the most insensitive comments I have ever read. We are dealing with a tragedy here in our neighborhood and you feel the need to pontificate that you are a superior being due to the fact that you choose not to drink alcohol: (I am just guessing by your user-name) and then project your displaced hostility towards the "Idyllwild Chamber of Commerce" which is an organization that has absolutely nothing to do with the current criminal investigation into the death of my neighbor and a human being.
    Our small mountain top community is a microcosm of the world at large. There is no place on this planet that is free from pain, sorrow and unfortunately; crime.
    I suggest if you are truly curious what the Idyllwild Chamber of Commerce does then attend their meetings and ask them. Get out there and get involved. Observing from a distance and hiding behind anonymity while throwing barbs is detrimental to the building of community; not helpful at all. Just my thoughts… May you find peace in your life.

  4. Thank you editors of the ITC for deciding to go ahead and publish this information. Suicide is always a sad result for friends and family left behin. But with Idyllwild/Pine Cove being such a small community, it is sometimes necessary to stray from "the norm" in order to alleviate fears that a homicide took place.

  5. No disrespect intended to the person involved, but has there been any research done regarding The Hill and suicides? The art gallery person, Lawler Lodge parked car, the homeless lady in the forest, then browsing the search there was another person who intentionally got himself poisoned by way of snake bite.

    I'm curious, does the mountain draw troubled people looking for peace, but end up with abstract forms of suicide? Would an on-site help center suicide prevention staffed with a part time and volunteer counselors be a positive or negative?

  6. I've also talked to Kit and his son many times and given them lifts to and from Idyllwild and they've always been very nice people. I can't help but worry about their wonderful little dog. Does anyone know if he/she needs a home?