Felon accused of murdering cellmate at Murrieta jail due in court Jan. 26

City News Service

Special to Valley News

A multi-convicted felon accused of fatally beating a fellow inmate at the Byrd Detention Center in Murrieta is due back in court

Thursday, Jan. 26.

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, Jan. 18, 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 one of the cells and went to investigate, at which point they discovered Spratt “unresponsive with several injuries.”

Court records indicate that the defendant became physical with correctional officers when they entered his cell, but no specific details were provided.

Baeza said that first aid was rendered at the scene, and Spratt was taken to a regional trauma center, where he died.

Central Homicide Unit detectives were summoned to question the victim’s cellmate, Payne, culminating in his formal arrest inside the correctional facility, according to the sergeant. A possible motive and further information regarding what might have transpired in the jail cell were not disclosed. to hit the pothole. Although your insurance provider will cover the damage if you have collision coverage, you may see an increase in your insurance rates at renewal time.

According to court records, Payne has prior convictions for battery on a public safety official, resisting arrest, attempting to take a peace officer’s firearm, assault with a deadly weapon, spousal abuse and false imprisonment. He had been booked into the southwest county detention facility on Dec. 30 for alleged probation violations.

Jail records indicated that Spratt was arrested in Jurupa Valley on Jan. 10 on suspicion of identity theft and forgery. It was unclear whether prosecutors intended to file charges against him. He was being held on $10,000 bail at the time of the attack.

Be ever-vigilant in your errand runs and weekly commutes. Wrangling potholes shouldn’t ruin your day or night.

To submit a request for road repairs within the Riverside County Maintained Road System you may call 951-955-6899 to submit your request by phone to report potholes, downed street signs and traffic signal outages. Report potholes or rough pavement on state highways and freeways by using the form on the California Department of Transportation website at https:// csr.dot.ca.gov/.

Diane Sieker can be reached by email at dsieker@reedermedia. com

Two men arrested on suspicion of selling narcotics in Lake Elsinore

City News Service

Special to Valley News

Two suspects were arrested on suspicion of possessing narcotics and firearms, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department announced.

Deputies responded to the 31500 block of Canyon Estates Drive in Lake Elsinore on Jan. 17 around 12:30 p.m. to a call about a fight.

When they arrived, deputies found that the people involved in the fight were still at the location.

The two involved were identified as Brandon Lee, 34, of Gardena and Jonathan Mangrum, 31, of

Lake Elsinore.

While deputies spoke with both Mangrum and Lee, they saw large amounts of narcotics inside the room, which led to a search warrant.

Deputies found several loaded firearms and additional items associated with the sales of narcotics.

Both Lee and Mangrum were arrested on suspicion of possessing narcotics for sales and possession of loaded firearms. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Deputy Howe or Deputy Stacey at 951-245-3300.

Authorities arrest 18-yearold on suspicion of attempted murder

City News Service Special to Valley News

An 18-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department announced Saturday, Jan. 21.

The incident happened on Nov. 24, 2022 in the 32600 block of Mission Trail in Lake Elsinore.

Deputies responded to a report of an assault with a deadly weapon, and upon arrival discovered several individuals suffering from nonlife-threatening gunshot wounds. The suspect was identified as 18-year-old Miguel Lopez Flores of Quail Valley, and he was arrested Friday, Jan. 20 without incident, according to the sheriff’s department. Anyone with additional information on the incident is encouraged to contact Deputy Crivello or Deputy Frey at the Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s station at 951-245-3300.

Firefighters battle attic fire in new construction area in Menifee

City News Service Special to Valley News

Firefighters battled a fire on Jan. 21 in the attic of a one-story residence in Menifee, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department announced. The fire was reported around

11:10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 21 in the new construction area of Douglas Crest Circle and Evergreen Crest Circle. It was unknown if there were any injuries.

The cause of the fire was not immediately known.