Body of Missing Woman Found in Nevada; Boyfriend Arrested on Murder Charge

PLACER COUNTY, California — Authorities have discovered the body of a woman believed to be Patricia Portella-Wright, who was reported missing earlier this month.The body was located off Mt. Rose Highway in Washoe County, Nevada, according to a statement from the Placer County Sheriff's Office. The identification is pending confirmation from the Washoe County Coroner's Office.Portella-Wright, a 48-year-old resident of Kings Beach, California, was last seen on the morning of August 4, 2024, and reported missing on August 9, 2024. Investigators used a drone to locate the body down a steep embankment, and recovery efforts are ongoing with the assistance of Washoe County's Search and Rescue team. Mt. Rose Highway will remain closed for several hours during the recovery operation.During the investigation, authorities identified her boyfriend, 55-year-old Brent Clifford, as a person of interest. Clifford was arrested on August 14, 2024, in Portola, California, and has been booked into the Placer County Jail on a murder charge.The investigation involved multiple agencies, including the Reno Police Department, Plumas County Sheriff's Office, and Washoe County Sheriff's Office. "We appreciate everyone's understanding," stated the Placer County Sheriff's Office.Clifford was apprehended just before 4 p.m. on August 14, 2024, with the assistance of the Plumas County Sheriff's Office. The vehicle he was believed to be driving, a red 2003 Chevrolet Blazer, was located westbound on Highway 70 from Highway 395 at Hallelujah Junction.Portella-Wright was described as a white female with blonde hair and brown eyes, approximately 5'9" and 125 lbs. Anyone with information regarding her recent whereabouts is urged to contact the Placer County Sheriff's Office at (530) 889-7830.According to the Reno Police Department, Clifford is also a person of interest in a Reno homicide case. The male victim in that case was discovered on the morning of August 11, 2024, and the red Chevrolet Blazer belonging to the victim was found in the same area where Clifford was arrested.