"She received multiple stab wounds." The tawdry details spilled in the trial and the questions it raised about the practices of the Albuquerque Police Department have further tarnished the agency, which is under investigation by the U.S. Justice Department over a series of police shootings. She still has a brother that lives here locally. Levi Chavezs attorney, David Serna, will begin his cross-examination of Brookreson on Monday. Your email is safe with us, we dont spam. New Mexico and ABQ News, Sports, Business and more, By Jeff Proctor / Journal Staff Writer McKay and Keener admitted more than 220 exhibits into evidence, including the Glock handgun and more than 100 crime scene photographs. (Adolphe Pierre-Louis/Journal), Former APD officer Levi Chavez, second from right, hugs family members after being found not guilty of murder on Tuesday, July 16, 2013. View the sitemap for the City of Albuquerque website. Following the verdict, emotional family members of Tera Chavez were quickly escorted out of Sandoval District Court, the result of an edict from state District Judge George Eichwald who sought to ease tensions between the two families. stream Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Working with the attorney general office working with [District Attorneys] and ensuring that we are building strong prosecution upping charges from what used to be a larceny slash aggravated assault to now charging them with robbery, said Attorney General Hector Balderas. ther A Pratt-Chavez, MD, is a Pediatric Medicine specialist in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. t|!iej@,RUAp*tG;^ppxu\>q 1T}|{U\x lX2pdRHB zg_h";*uJYUXd\.~|}wWI]'l+F Q~18OMU. Levi Chavez came back the following week and did exactly that. The reason: Serna and prosecutors said Farrelly hadnt turned over everything he had on the case during discovery. Levi Chavez Was Found Not Guilty of His Wifes Death in 2013 & Later Filed a Levi Chavez, an Albuquerque police officer, called 911 on the morning of October 22, 2007, to report that hed come home to find his wife dead of a gunshot wound from his service weapon. Radosevich spent most of his time on the stand Monday answering questions from Senior Trial Attorney Bryan McKay about what has become one of the trials most important and contested points: Whether Tera Chavez could have, as the defense contends, shot herself in October 2007 with her husbands service pistol. << /Filter /FlateDecode /S 36 /O 90 /Length 79 >> "She was upset. Albuquerque. Rebecca Sarker Sister Sunetra, Email. King had been an academy classmate of Police Chief Ray Schultz, who, in a tearful press conference after the killings, called it one of the saddest days in the history of the Albuquerque Police Department. Inside the department, former officers say, the deaths were a turning point: Officer safety became the order of the day. Manage the news you want to see, read exclusive content and explore other subscriber benefits. Prosecutors say Chavez used his police training to cover up the crime, refusing to touch his wife's body so his fingerprints wouldn't be found. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. "There never was a case against Levi Chavez," Serna said. She lives with her family in Phone number, address, and email on Spokeo, the leading people search directory for contact information and public records. Titleist Golf Bags 2021, Prosecutors allege that he shot his wife, Tera Chavez, through the mouth on either Oct. 19, 20 or 21, 2007, in the couples home near Los Lunas and tried to make her death look like a suicide. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! Your email is safe with us, we dont spam. On July 5, 2008, half of the desire she expressed in the text came true. On cross-examination by Serna, Radosevich testified that he also observed what appeared to be blood stains on the magazine that likely couldnt have gotten there had the magazine been seated. Below you will find a list of surnames similar to Heather Chavez that were found in public records. Levi Chavez is charged with first-degree murder and evidence tampering. Prosecutors allege that he killed Tera in the couples Los Lunas home on either Oct. 19, 20 or 21, 2007 and tried to make her death look like a suicide. Bernalillo County deputy involved in rollover crash in Northeast A Bernalillo County deputy was reportedly A Bernalillo County deputy was reportedly not injured after their vehicle rolled in a two-vehicle crash Saturday morning in Northeast Albuquerque. "He's got several plans in the works," Serna said. In the fall of 2009, he transferred to the Property Crimes Division. 76 0 obj Over the years, detectives. Meanwhile, in the courtroom, Chavez and family gathered to pray a "Hail Mary" until Serna grabbed Chavez by the arm to escort him through a crowded pathway of supporters and family members. Guitarist Ottmar Liebert bringing his unique blend of music Ottmar Liebert and his band Luna Negra will perform with the New Mexico Philharmonic at Popejoy Hall on Saturday, March 11. Levi Chavez was working as a police officer in October 2007 when he allegedly shot and killed Tera Chavez in the bed of their Los Lunas home with his police revolver. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. All rights reserved. Levi Chavez refuted Slamas claims when he testified. Who Wrote She's Like The Swallow, The gun was the biggest hang up, but there was no proof, she said. He also focused on providing prevention and intervention education strategies to the local Albuquerque high school students. Dozens of Albuquerque Academy students volunteered New Mexico Supreme Court: Juveniles who plead can appeal Ruling stems from the case of Christopher Rodriguez, who was sentenced as an adult to 14 years in prison for his role in the Changes to city of Albuquerque's Sun Van service raise New process allows anybody to self-certify New process allows anybody to self-certify they are disabled. (Adolphe Pierre-Louis /Journal), Former APD officer Levi Chavez clutches a rosary before being found not guilty of murder on Tuesday, July 16, 2013. Saatva Mattress Review: Our Pick for the Best Overall Bed of 2023, We Found 12 Cute Planters and Flower Pots That Cost Less Than $25, Here's Where to Watch and Stream Marvel's 'Ant Man and the Wasp: Quantumania' Online. Chavez's 911 call to report his wife's death was played in court. Detectives say Chavez wanted his wife dead because she threatened to reveal he staged the theft of a truck so he can collect insurance money. 5.9K views, 149 likes, 112 loves, 95 comments, 29 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from Farmington Police Department - New Mexico: Detective Heather Chavez's Retirement Cermony Someone had to press that magazine release after (the Glock) was fired, he said. Levi Chavez, an Albuquerque police officer, called 911 on the morning of October 22, 2007, to report that he'd come home to find his wife dead of a gunshot wound from his service weapon. All the children are aware of who Tera was, Heather Chavez said, and they even celebrate her birthday. Im not guilty. I wasnt worried.. Still -- nearly three decades later -- no arrests. Those separations, according to earlier testimony, were due in large part to Levi Chavezs longstanding habit of cheating on Tera. Box 1293 One Civic Plaza Room 7057 Albuquerque New Mexico 87103. This included partnerships with the schools, teachers and laws enforcement with a focused presentation of alcohol awareness to students. Currently, the Maxwell Museum is displaying 'Conversing with the Land: Native North American Baskets of the Maxwell Museum Collections,' through Jan. 10, 2024. Many of the other defense exhibits were photographs, as well. (Adolphe Pierre-Louis-Journal), Former APD officer Levi Chavez, center, hugs family members after being found not guilty of murder on Tuesday, July 16, 2013. Dated Nov. 14, 2007, it was from a fellow APD officer whose name, at the time, was Heather Hindi. xc````` ]ep e1BU&lwYp3Y76fb`;RD" the Albuquerque Police Department. In 2011, Medina was promoted to the rank of Commander. Heather Chavez, Albuquerque Police Department, NM, (505) 768-2404, Heather E Hindi, age 44, Albuquerque, NM 87120 View Full Report Known Cities: Albuquerque NM, 87120, Albuquerque NM 87107, Albuquerque NM 87102 Possible Relatives: Anna M Chavez, Christopher R Chavez, David R She practices in Albuquerque, New Mexico and has the professional credentials of MD . GallupARTS receives $400,000 grant for virtual project. Garcia said she couldnt find any identifiable prints on either the Glock, the magazine or any of the bullets she examined. Prosecutors alleged that he killed Tera around 1 a.m. on Oct. 21, 2007 a Sunday by creeping up on her while she was likely asleep in bed inside the couples home near Los Lunas, shoving his APD-issued Glock 9 mm pistol into the back of her mouth and pulling the trigger once. Heather Chavez, Levi Chavez's current wife, testifies during his murder trial on Friday, June 28, 2013. And to release the magazine from its seated position, five pounds of pressure must be applied to a release button located on the left side of the handle near the trigger guard, he said. In 2011, the Albuquerque police officer was accused of murder. "She received multiple stab wounds." And it was the third time the judge denied him. the 911 dispatcher asked. He had come to the her office to schedule a time to shadow Heather, according to her testimony, meaning she would show him the ropes of detective work in the unit. Pedro Taylor Football, Still -- nearly three decades later -- no arrests. Eichwald instructed the Cordova family to leave the courtroom first after the verdict was read and asked Chavez family to wait a few minutes before departing. Also on Tuesday the state called DNA expert Alanna Williams, who testified that she couldn't tell who fired the gun that killed Tera Chavez because there were two sets of DNA on the gun's handle. Romero described the relationship between Levis family and Teras family as nonexistent., We traveled in different circles, she said. Serna said he doubted that Chavez would want return to the state's largest police department. Tera's family said he did it to. The defense contends that Tera shot herself with her husbands Albuquerque Police Department-issued pistol. (Greg Sorber/Journal). << /Filter /FlateDecode /Length 902 >> This proactive approach brought compliance rates in the Albuquerque area up to 95%. She was unsuccessful, but Levi later showed up at her home in Los Lunas shortly after 8 p.m. Romero testified that by then, she had learned that Tera didnt go to work at Style America that day, and that she hadnt called in sick, as she had the day before. That was the whole thing that made me upset. << /Type /XRef /Length 87 /Filter /FlateDecode /DecodeParms << /Columns 4 /Predictor 12 >> /W [ 1 2 1 ] /Index [ 72 37 ] /Root 74 0 R /Size 109 /Prev 38218 /ID [] >> Hearst Television participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. However, he conceded that it was plausible.. Mmmm detective Chavez with homicide, the text read. In an indictment filed in April 2011 that charges Levi Chavez with first-degree murder and evidence tampering, prosecutors say he killed Tera in the couples home near Los Lunas on Oct. 19, 20 or 21, 2007. It appears that his wife, now known as Heather Chavez, is a detective with the Farmington Police Department. The call did not go to voicemail. Carla Helmer hadn't shown up for work at a Farmington convenience store for three days. Dr. Chavez is affiliated with Lovelace Medical Center. In case you missed it, here's a repeat of a major event that is unfolding in the Levi Chavez trial. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. Police officers will often tell you theres no such thing as a routine call when youre patrolling the streets. According to testimony earlier in the trial, he was exchanging text messages 24 days after the 911 call with another APD officer about the two getting married. FARMINGTON POLICE ARE STILL FOLLOWING LEADS AND ARE ASKING PEOPLE WITH LEGITIMATE TIPS TO CONTACT THE FARMINGTON POLICE HOTLINE OR CRIME STOPPERS. h***@cabq.gov. Mary Chavez is 73 years old and was born on 12/22/1947. The jury found him not guilty. "Can you touch her? Detective Heather Chavez with the Farmington police said.Police believe Carla likely knew her attacker. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. On cross-examination by David Serna, Heather Chavez said the two spoke on the phone that day because Levi had been dispatched to a child abuse call, and she was the on-call detective for Crimes Against Children. During his time with Party Patrol he focused on decreasing illegal sales to underage youth. He strongly believes in working with the community to educate and have an understanding of community-oriented policing. I dont see how thats possible, Levi Chavez said. . Instead, the jury was instructed that Farrelly had received an anonymous call from the Style America where Tera worked alleging insurance fraud by Levi Chavez, and that he conducted an investigation which concluded that the allegations were unfounded.. The contents of any site or link not maintained by the City does not necessarily reflect the opinions, standards or policies of the City of Albuquerque, its officials, agents or employees. Romero says Chavez was with her for part of the weekend when his wife was shot. She said some jurors even cried during deliberations. Although he testified that someone had altered things on its hard drive, he was confident that one of the searches he uncovered had, indeed, occurred a White Pages search that turned up the home address for Aaron Jones, the lead detective investigating Teras death for the Valencia County Sheriffs Office. Twenty-four days after the 911 suicide call, which Levi Chavez made around 9 p.m. on Oct, 21, 2007, a text message popped up on his cellphone suggesting that a new marriage wasnt far off. Judge Eichwald ultimately allowed the question, to which Radosevich answered: At the time (Jones) recovered it, yes, Jones said the magazine was unseated. Jones is the one who removed the gun from next to Teras body, and he testified at trial that he noted the magazine was unseated and that a bullet was in the firing chamber. She had multiple defense wounds, and had put up a fight. endstream Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Her husband Levi Chavez, a police officer with the Albuquerque Police Department, was the. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) - The attorney general and the Albuquerque Police Department are cracking down on serial shoplifters and organized retail crime. Former Albuquerque Police Officer Levi Chavez enters court on June 13, 2013 in Bernalillo, N.M. Dean Hanson/The Albuquerque Journal/AP Photo, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Harold Medina received a Bachelors degree with a double major in Biology and Criminology through the college of Arts and Science from the University of New Mexico in 1994. Chavez enrolled as a student at the University of California at Berkeley, studying writing and literature as part of the program in English literature offered there. Legal Statement. Jones also told her Levi Chavez had numerous affairs while he was married to Tera, but according to Keeners characterization of Heather Chavezs previous statements, she wasnt interested. Detectives say Chavez wanted his wife dead because she threatened to reveal he staged the theft of a truck so he can collect insurance money. "I can't look at her. endobj Critics, supporters offer differing opinions on program's future in New Mexico, Zinc Wine Bar & Bistro to reopen after three years. Titleist Golf Bags 2021, (Adolphe Pierre-Louis /Journal), Tera Chavez's brother Aaron Cordova, left, and her parents Theresa and Joseph Cordova, wait in a hallway at the Sandoval County District Court for the verdict in the murder trial of former APD officer Levi Chavez, who was accused of killing Tera in October of 2007 and making it look like a suicide. She had multiple defense wounds, and had put up a fight. OVER THE YEARS DETECTIVES INTERVIEWED A LOT OF PEOPLE, STILL NEARLY THREE DECADES LATER, NO ARRESTS. Ex-wife Heather Hindi left him for alleged wife-killer Levi Chavez. The other half of Heather Chavezs wish a move to the APD homicide unit never came to pass. Levi Chavez is the Husband of Tera, and he was a police officer with the Albuquerque Police Department. But Romero said she never knew about her sons infidelity only that he and Tera were having problems., Your email is safe with us, we dont spam, Romero testified that she had regrets about guilting and coercing her son to remain married to Tera even though the two shouldve been divorced many years ago.. Contact. Who Wrote She's Like The Swallow, The Albuquerque City Council voted 8-0 on March 15, 2021 to confirm Medina's appointment as Chief of the Albuquerque Police Department. (Greg Sorber/Journal), Tera Chavez 's parents, Theresa and Joseph Cordova, leave the Sandoval County Courthouse on Tuesday, July 16, 2013, after Levi Chavez was found not guilty of murdering their daughter. The civil case will proceed as soon as state District Judge Ted Baca sets a date. She first pursued her career in writing in college. %PDF-1.7 Not among them was APD officer Steve Hindi, to whom Heather was married at the time. Thats also where she was working on Oct. 8, 2007, the first time she met Levi Chavez, according to her testimony. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Upon announcing the verdict, the family of Levi Chavez, including his current wife Albuquerque detective Heather Chavez, let out gasps and wept. Upon his acquittal, Levi dedicated his life to fighting for the falsely accused. Their exhibits also included Teras diary and two notes a handwriting expert said she had written which the defense characterized as suicide notes and prosecutors described as evidence that Tera was ready to move on from her relationship with Levi Chavez all of which were found in the couples home. Theres nothing I would like to have them work other types of overtime rather than standing at a retail store, said Chief Medina.
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