BIG BEAR LAKE – A Big Bear Lake man is facing 50 years to life in prison for a heinous murder that took place in the spring of 2016.
Frank Popovich Jr., 55, a magician who owns the Black Fox Trading Company, was found guilty by a jury on Monday for the shooting murder of a man who was believed to be his friend. District attorney’s officials said that Popovich went to a Big Bear nightclub on April 12, 2016. He made contact with James Clark, 42, who was his friend and who worked for him, in the back parking lot.
Video surveillance captured the Popovich after less than three minutes, shoving the victim and pointing his finger at his face. The victim did not show any signs of aggression and did not even appear to be defending himself. For around 10 seconds, Popovich could not be seen on the surveillance, then a flash of a gun muzzle goes off and Clark’s body falls to the ground.
“In a scene that was captured on surveillance video, the defendant then walked over to the victim’s head area and slapped the victim in the head,” DDA Ruescher said. “The defendant then walked to the feet of the victim, took the cigarette from his left hand, and continued to smoke it for a full thirty seconds while standing over the victim’s body.”
Popovich will be sentenced in December 2017.
For late-breaking news, join 24/7 Headline News on our Facebook Newsgroups for Los Angeles County News, Riverside County News, Adelanto News, Coachella Valley News, U.S./World News, Victor Valley/Inland Empire News. If you like what we are doing and want regular updates on your Facebook stream like our Facebook Fan Page. You may also follow 24/7 Headline News on Twitter and Instagram!
- Woman Arrested for Instructing Child on Roblox Messages to Kill Infant - Monday, October 21st, 2024
- Rancho Cucamonga Teen Dies After Jumping Off Overpass Onto 210 Freeway - Saturday, September 14th, 2024
- Man Arrested After Pulling a Gun on Noisy Loma Linda Hotel Room Neighbor - Monday, July 17th, 2023
Image Sources:
- Frank-Popovich: San Bernardino County District Attorney's Office