Man Convicted of Murder in 2022 Riverside Carjacking and Killing

Mistrial declared for co-defendant, third suspect to face trial

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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A 30-year-old man was convicted of first-degree murder, robbery, carjacking, burglary, and other charges for his role in the 2022 carjacking and killing of a 24-year-old Riverside resident. His co-defendant's jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict, resulting in a mistrial, while a third suspect is set to face trial.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of violent crime and carjackings in the Riverside area, as well as the challenges prosecutors face in securing convictions with multiple defendants involved in the same incident.

The details

Trezell Lamone Heckard was convicted for the 2022 murder of Benjamin Chanes during a carjacking. Heckard's co-defendant, Qevon Xavier Harvey, had his case end in a mistrial after the jury could not reach a unanimous verdict. A third suspect, Anthony Antoine Wright, is also charged in the killing and is set to face trial. The defendants allegedly approached Chanes and his girlfriend at gunpoint, forced them into Chanes' vehicle, and took them to his apartment, where they ransacked the home. Chanes was able to briefly escape but was shot multiple times by Wright, according to police.

  • On March 6, 2022, the incident occurred.
  • On Friday, Trezell Lamone Heckard was convicted.
  • On Friday, a mistrial was declared for Qevon Xavier Harvey.
  • On Wednesday, trial proceedings are tentatively set to start for Anthony Antoine Wright.
  • On April 24, Heckard is due for sentencing.

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 case ended in a mistrial after the jury could not 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 face trial on Wednesday.

Benjamin Chanes

A 24-year-old Riverside resident who was killed during the 2022 carjacking incident.

N.D.

The girlfriend of Benjamin Chanes who was present during the carjacking and forced into another vehicle.

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What’s next

A retrial status conference for Qevon Xavier Harvey is set for Wednesday at the Riverside Hall of Justice. Trial proceedings for Anthony Antoine Wright are tentatively set to start on Wednesday as well.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges in prosecuting violent crimes with multiple defendants, as well as the need for continued efforts to address carjackings and other violent incidents in the Riverside area.