Riverside, California – A Vallejo man has been convicted of first-degree murder and multiple felony charges in connection with a deadly 2022 carjacking, while the jury considering the case against his alleged co-conspirator failed to reach a unanimous verdict, prompting a mistrial, court records confirmed this week.
The ruling brings partial closure to the killing of 24-year-old Benjamin Chanes, though legal proceedings continue for the remaining defendants accused in the crime.
Incident Overview
Prosecutors alleged that the killing stemmed from a violent carjacking and home invasion that unfolded on the afternoon of March 6, 2022, in Riverside, California. The victim was forcibly removed from a vehicle at gunpoint, kidnapped, and later fatally shot while attempting to flee from his attackers.
One defendant has now been found guilty, while separate juries are still weighing the fate of others accused of participating in the crime.
Court Verdict and Charges
On Friday, a Riverside County jury convicted Trezell Lamone Heckard, 30, of Vallejo, of first-degree murder, robbery, carjacking, burglary, and a special circumstance allegation of killing during the course of a burglary.
Jurors, however, were unable to reach verdicts on two additional special circumstance allegations against Heckard: killing during a kidnapping and killing during a robbery.
Heckard is scheduled to be sentenced on April 24 and is currently being held without bail at the Smith Correctional Facility.
Co-Defendant Jury Impasse
A separate jury deliberating the case of Qevon Xavier Harvey, 27, of Desert Hot Springs, informed Riverside County Superior Court Judge Charles Koosed that it could not reach a unanimous decision after more than a week of deliberations.
As a result, Judge Koosed declared a mistrial in Harvey’s case. A retrial status conference has been scheduled for Wednesday at the Riverside Hall of Justice. Harvey remains in custody without bail at the Robert Presley Detention Center.
Details From Police and Court Records
According to an arrest warrant declaration filed by the Riverside Police Department, Chanes and his girlfriend, identified only as “N.D.”, were returning from Los Angeles when they exited a freeway in an unfamiliar area and were immediately confronted by an armed suspect.
“The Black male approached the driver’s side and ordered Benjamin out at gunpoint,” the affidavit stated.
Investigators said Chanes complied, while additional suspects forced N.D. into another vehicle and instructed her to keep her head down as they drove away from the scene.
Timeline of Events
Police allege that the suspects drove both victims to the Boulder Creek Apartment Complex on Iowa Avenue, where Chanes lived. Once inside the apartment, N.D. was forced into a closet while the men demanded to know where money was kept.
For approximately 10 minutes, the apartment was ransacked while Chanes was restrained elsewhere inside the unit, according to investigators.
When the suspects became distracted, Chanes attempted to escape.
Shooting and Aftermath
As Chanes fled the apartment, police allege he was chased outside. Anthony Antoine Wright, 33, of Indio, is accused of opening fire, striking the victim multiple times in the back.
Chanes collapsed on the sidewalk and later died at Riverside Community Hospital.
The suspects fled the scene in N.D.’s vehicle, abandoning their own 2011 Chevrolet Impala, which detectives later processed for evidence.
N.D., who was not physically injured, escaped from the apartment and called 911 moments after the gunfire.
Ongoing Cases and Additional Defendants
Wright faces charges including murder, kidnapping, carjacking, burglary, and multiple special circumstance allegations, along with felon in possession of a firearm and sentence-enhancing gun allegations. His trial is tentatively scheduled to begin Wednesday, and he remains jailed without bail.
A fourth defendant, Kahlin Cynque Erwin, 30, of Pittsburgh, California, pleaded guilty in 2024 to kidnapping. He is free on a $55,000 bond and is scheduled for sentencing on June 8.
Broader Public Safety Context
Law enforcement officials note that carjackings involving firearms often escalate rapidly, increasing the risk of deadly outcomes for victims and bystanders alike. Authorities continue to urge motorists to remain aware of their surroundings, avoid unfamiliar areas when possible, and report suspicious activity immediately.
Conclusion
While the conviction of Trezell Lamone Heckard marks a significant development in the case, the unresolved charges against his co-defendants mean the legal process is far from over. Prosecutors are expected to decide whether to retry Harvey, while proceedings against Wright move forward.
If you have thoughts on this case or concerns about carjacking and public safety in your community, share your experiences in the comments below.
