Photo: Christopher Bettega
At 1:30 AM on September 4th, a call came in to the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office about a possible assault in Covelo.
While in response, another call came in concerning a deceased person in the road.
The male discovered in the road was already deceased. He was indentified as William Bettega. Itr was determined that he was struck by a vehicle.
Detectives began their investigation. An investigator from the California Highway Patrol also assisted.
A vehicle was “located in the Short Creek drainage just east of Biggar Lane.”
The vehicle had exterior damage consistent with striking apedestrain. It was a vehicle primarily used by Bettega’s cousin, Christopher Bettega.
The investigation continued over the next four days.
Tyhen on Spetember 8th a serach warrant was served at a residence in the area and Christopher Bettega was then arrested for murder. He was booked into the Mendocino County Jail and held on a $1 million bail.
“While this investigation is ongoing, there is no information suggesting the existence of any additional suspect(s). At this time, there is no evidence to support the initially reported kidnapping incident.
This investigation is still active and Sheriff’s Detectives are asking anyone with information related to Christopher Bettega and William Bettega’s activities on the night of 09-03-2021 and during the early morning hours of 09-04-2021 to contact the Sheriff’s Office.”
