Home News Crimes and Courts Felon accused of murdering cellmate at Murrieta jail due in court next...

02-11-22-REGIONAL-San Diego County fails to curb-APphoto — Sheriff's Deputies escort inmates down a secured hallway at downtown Central Jail Nov. 18, 2015, in San Diego. San Diego County jails have had more inmate deaths than comparable sized counties for the past 14 years and have consistently failed to address the problem, according to an independent review by California’s state auditor that recommended the state Legislature intervene. (Nelvin C. Cepeda/The San Diego Union-Tribune via AP)

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

January 19, 2023

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

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