Indio Jail Inmate Killed; Cellmate Arrested: Deputies

INDIO, CA — A 42-year-old inmate was arrested Wednesday on murder charges following his cellmate's death after the victim was found unresponsive and suffering "significant traumatic injuries" during a Wednesday morning prisoner check at the John Benoit Detention Center in Indio, according to authorities.

Emergency, lifesaving measures were performed by fire and paramedic crews on the victim, John Hemmer, 48 of South Dakota, however, he subsequently succumbed to his injuries, the Riverside County Sheriff's Department said.

The facility's housing area was secured as a crime scene, with Hemmer's cellmate, Luke Hanchette, 42 of Hemet, identified as "the suspect in this case," deputies said. According to officials, the routine, safety check of inmates was conducted at about 7:45 a.m.

There was no word on a motive, and it was unclear if a weapon was used.

Arrested for suspicion of murder in the case, Hanchette remains at JBDC at 82675 St. Hwy. 111 in Indio, deputies said.

Hemmer's incarceration stems from a 2019 arrest at a Desert Hot Springs RV park for the alleged kidnap and assault of his girlfriend after deputies responded to the KOA campground, at 70405 Dillon Road, for a domestic-violence call, according to past reports and public records. He was charged with nine felonies, including torture, attempted murder, criminal threats and several spousal abuse counts, and faced a potential life sentence if convicted.

Hanchette was in custody on $165,000 bail awaiting trial on an assault on a person causing great bodily injury charge from 2018, court records show. He has prior felony convictions in Riverside County including assault with a deadly weapon.

The sheriff's department said the current homicide investigation is ongoing with the Correctional Investigations Bureau and the Central Homicide Unit, and no additional details were released.

Anyone with information on the case can call Investigator Button with the Central Homicide at 951-955-2777, or can submit tips via the Sheriff's Homicide Tipline online form.

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