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Desert Hot Springs Today
By the People, for the People
Carjacker Convicted of Killing Man, While Co-defendant's Jury Hits Impasse
A man involved in a deadly carjacking was found guilty, while his alleged co-conspirator's trial ended in a mistrial.
Published on Feb. 9, 2026
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A 30-year-old Vallejo man was convicted of first-degree murder, robbery, carjacking, burglary and other charges for his role in the 2022 killing of a 24-year-old Riverside resident during a carjacking. However, a separate jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict on the same charges for the man's co-defendant, resulting in a mistrial.
Why it matters
This case highlights the ongoing challenges in prosecuting complex violent crimes involving multiple defendants, as well as the difficulties in securing convictions when eyewitness accounts and physical evidence may be limited. It also raises questions about the role of plea bargains and the challenges of ensuring justice is served for victims and their families.
The details
Trezell Lamone Heckard was convicted of killing Benjamin Chanes during a carjacking in 2022. Heckard's co-defendant, 27-year-old Qevon Xavier Harvey of Desert Hot Springs, had his case end in a mistrial after the jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict on the same charges. A third alleged co-conspirator, Anthony Antoine Wright, 33, of Indio, is also facing trial for his alleged role in the crime.
- On March 6, 2022, Chanes and his girlfriend were carjacked at gunpoint.
- On Friday, Heckard was convicted of first-degree murder and other charges.
- Also on Friday, the jury in Harvey's case declared a mistrial after failing to reach a unanimous verdict.
- Heckard is scheduled to be sentenced on April 24.
- A retrial status conference for Harvey is set for Wednesday.
The players
Trezell Lamone Heckard
A 30-year-old man from Vallejo who was convicted of first-degree murder, robbery, carjacking, burglary and other charges for his role in the 2022 killing of Benjamin Chanes.
Qevon Xavier Harvey
A 27-year-old man from Desert Hot Springs whose trial ended in a mistrial after the jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict on the same charges as Heckard.
Anthony Antoine Wright
A 33-year-old man from Indio who is also accused in the killing and is set to stand trial on Wednesday.
Benjamin Chanes
A 24-year-old Riverside resident who was killed during the carjacking incident in 2022.
N.D.
The girlfriend of Benjamin Chanes who was present during the carjacking and was forced into another vehicle by the defendants.
What’s next
The judge in Harvey's case will decide on Wednesday whether to schedule a retrial or dismiss the charges.
The takeaway
This case highlights the ongoing challenges in prosecuting complex violent crimes involving multiple defendants, as well as the difficulties in securing convictions when eyewitness accounts and physical evidence may be limited. It also raises questions about the role of plea bargains and the challenges of ensuring justice is served for victims and their families.
