Felon accused of murdering cellmate at Murrieta jail due in court next week

MURRIETA (CNS) - A multi-convicted felon accused of fatally beating a fellow inmate at the Byrd Detention Center in Murrieta is due back in court a week from today.Micky Rodney Payne, 33, of Perris allegedly killed 24-year-old Mark Anthony Spratt of Fontana on Jan. 12.Payne pleaded not guilty to murder and battery on a custodial officer during an arraignment Wednesday at the Southwest Justice Center.Riverside County Superior Court Judge Elaine Kiefer scheduled a status conference for Jan. 26, in part to confirm whether a preliminary hearing slated for Jan. 31 should go forward or be reset.Payne remains held without bail at the Murrieta jail.According to sheriff's Sgt. Ed Baeza, about 1:30 a.m. on Jan. 12, correctional deputies were alerted to a "disturbance" in o