Inmate Accused Of Murdering Cellmate Found Dead In RivCo Jail

RIVERSIDE, CA — A felon — who was awaiting trial for the alleged bludgeoning of his jail cellmate — was found dead Wednesday in his Riverside jail cell.

Luke Hanchette, 44, of Hemet was discovered unresponsive at 6:51 a.m. at Robert Presley Detention Center. Jail personnel immediately administered life-saving measures; paramedics continued the efforts but Hanchette was pronounced dead at the facility, according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.

"There were no signs of foul play," the law enforcement agency reported.

No further information about his death was released.

Hanchette was charged in the killing of 48-year-old inmate John Leo Hemmer of South Dakota. Hemmer was found dead on July 21, 2021, inside a cell the two shared at Indio's John Benoit Detention Center, according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.

Hemmer was allegedly bludgeoned with a metal crutch.

Hanchette was charged with murder and sentence-enhancing allegations of using a weapon during a felony and using a deadly weapon.

Sgt. Ben Ramirez said correctional deputies were doing a routine safety check when they found Hemmer unresponsive with significant injuries. Despite first responders' attempts to save him, Hemmer was pronounced dead.

There was no word on what provoked the alleged attack.

At the time of the killing, Hanchette was in custody awaiting trial on charges of assault on a person causing great bodily injury, court records show. He had prior felony convictions in Riverside County, including assault with a deadly weapon.

Hemmer, meanwhile, was awaiting trial on allegations that he physically abused and choked his girlfriend into unconsciousness during a 2019 road trip. 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's next court appearance was scheduled Jan. 17.