width: 640px; Bernalillo County deputy involved in rollover crash in Northeast Albuquerque, Where does medical cannabis go from here? She graduated with honors from University Of New Mexico School Of Medicine in 2007. Brookreson testified there also were several Web searches for Jones. endobj Upon announcing the verdict, the family of Levi Chavez, including his current wife Albuquerque detective Heather Chavez, let out gasps and wept. Serna admitted 29 exhibits into evidence, including an OMI photograph of Teras tongue removed from her body that showed a round burn mark near the back of the tongue. 77 0 obj One of Levi Chavezs lovers who was also a client of Teras at the Los Lunas Style America salon testified that Tera told her the truck hadnt really been stolen. Within two months of her death, he was engaged to a former colleague at the Albuquerque Police Department, Heather Hindi, and they were married a few months later, PEOPLE wrote. (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. Nobody thus far has had to pay for this crime," Chavez said.Police believe someone does know who killed Carla Felmer and Farmington police are still following leads in this case. They are very private, and we just didnt pal around together.. There is no confirmation on whether she is still a part of the Albuquerque Police Department. Those separations, according to earlier testimony, were due in large part to Levi Chavezs longstanding habit of cheating on Tera. Chavez has never been charged with any wrongdoing. Steve Hindi is a former boxer. Serna called seven other witnesses to testify. University of New Mexico Hospital launching health care listening Hospital CEO Kate Becker says 'we really want to hear from our community about what their health needs are' in order to prioritize resources. Assistant District Attorney Anne Keener, on cross-examination, asked Romero to confirm that she had left her marriage to Levi Chavez Sr. because of cheating, gambling and the debt he left her in. I couldve been a better parent and recommended that it was in the best interest that they not be together, she said. Prosecutor Bryan McKay, who told jurors during closing arguments that Chavez used his department-issued gun to commit "cold-blooded, calculated, planned-out murder," declined to comment after the verdict. Medina was promoted to Sergeant in 2004 where he became involved with the Albuquerque Police Department Party Patrol. Your email address will not be published. One reporter asked what he plans to do now, Im going to go to church, pray my rosary and thank my Virgin Mary.. Heather Chavez's Phone Number and Email. Upon his acquittal, Levi dedicated his life to fighting for the falsely accused. The Attorney Generals office said this crackdown is on the more violent offenders and they know who they are. Tell me if she feels cold?" << /Filter /FlateDecode /Length 902 >> Heather Chavez also testified that she never met or spoke to Tera Chavez. This link will take you to a site over which the City of Albuquerque has no control. APD and AG are hoping to bring harsher charges for those who are more violent offenders or serial shoplifters. Levi Chavez is charged with first-degree murder and evidence tampering. Debra Romero, also a police officer in the department, admitted to having an affair with Levi Chavez. To provide or request additional information, please contact: - Det. John enjoyed horseback riding with his sons and best friend and cousin On March 16, 2012 we broke the story (READ IT HERE) about how APD's current Deputy Chief Allen Banks was caught lying while under a sworn oath to tell the truth when he was testifying in the labor hearing involving former APD officer Russell Perea. or redistributed. 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. Former APD officer Levi Chavez gets a hug from his wife Heather Chavez after being found not guilty of murder on Tuesday, July 16, 2013. A forensic pathologist testified earlier in the trial that Tera died almost immediately after one shot was fired into her mouth. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Isaiah Matthew Chavez, 29, of Albuquerque, New Mexico has been charged in a criminal complaint with possession of a firearm and ammunition by a person under indictment. Mary Chavez lives in Albuquerque, NM; previous city include Peralta NM. (Adolphe Pierre-Louis/Journal), Former APD officer Levi Chavez, right, gets a hug from his attorney David Serna after the jury in the murder trial against him returned a verdict of not guilty on Tuesday, July 16, 2013. And six days before Chavez called 911 in October 2007 to say his wife Tera Chavez had shot herself in the head, all of a sudden, there was a deletion of files, said officer Michael Brookreson, a digital forensic investigator for the Las Cruces Police Department. Two years later, a jury acquitted him of the charge. On Tuesday, the court heard from police officer Regina Sanchez, who admitted to having an affair with Chavez in 2006. So Eichwald ruled that Farrellys testimony would be too prejudicial toward Levi Chavez. In 2011, the Albuquerque police officer was accused of murder. BERNALILLO A deep dive into Levi Chavezs personal laptop computer turned up an Internet search from November 2006 for how to kill someone, social media profiles of various women with whom he was having affairs and visits to pornography websites, according to testimony in the former APD officers murder trial on Friday. A Bernalillo County deputy was reportedly not injured after their vehicle rolled in a two-vehicle, Hospital CEO Kate Becker says 'we really want to hear from our community about what, Dozens of Albuquerque Academy students volunteered to help unload and deliver the furnishings. In the trial's final days, Chavez took the stand and acknowledged having a string of mistresses, searching a website on how to kill someone with martial arts moves, and ignoring his wife's calls for help. On July 5, 2008, half of the desire she expressed in the text came true. Im innocent. Upon returning to Albuquerque, she attended Teras funeral, she testified, as did many other APD officers. Christian Chavez in Albuquerque, NM 20 results - Christian Chavez may also have lived outside of Albuquerque, such as Cuba, Bosque Farms and 2 other cities in New Mexico. Serna objected to the question, and Eichwald sustained the objection. Contact Number (505) ***-**** Engage via Phone. 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. Dated Nov. 14, 2007, it was from a fellow APD officer whose name, at the time, was Heather Hindi. Thats when she married Levi Chavez and took his last name, according to testimony she gave Friday morning at the end of the third week in her husbands murder trial. Perea, a former APD officer, was sharing a police vehicle with Levi Chavez on Oct. 19 and 20. Police believe Carla likely knew her attacker. I feel confident with my choice, but I cry for the family, she said. I've been in contact with him. 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. endobj Prosecutors allege Levi Chavez shot Tera Chavez, 26, once in the mouth with his APD-issued Glock 9 mm pistol and tried to make it look like a suicide. He has pled not guilty. Prosecutors put 36 witnesses on the stand. He strongly follows the principles of community oriented policing and has begun implementing Community Engagement, Partnerships with Business Coalitions, Youth and Elderly Outreach within the Albuquerque Police Department. (Greg Sorber/Journal), Former Valencia County Detective Aaron Jones talks to the media on Tuesday, July 16, 2013, after Levi Chavez was found not guilty of murdering his wife Tera Chavez. In December of 2017, Medina was appointed to Deputy Chief for the Albuquerque Police Department and currently oversees the Field Services Bureau. She still has a brother that lives here locally. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. He worked closely with community partners such as Mothers Against Drunk Drivers, and was recognized by them in 2008 for the leadership of Party Patrol; his program won the Heros award for that year. Tera's family said he did it to. Titleist Golf Bags 2021, "She received multiple stab wounds." Romero says Chavez was with her for part of the weekend when his wife was shot. "There never was a case against Levi Chavez," Serna said. Chavez has been charged with first-degree murder and tampering with evidence. 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. No matter what you choose, not everyone is going to be happy.. "Can you touch her? Thats also where she was working on Oct. 8, 2007, the first time she met Levi Chavez, according to her testimony. Dr. Heather A Pratt-chavez is a Pediatric Medicine Specialist in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Anyone with information on Beccas identity is encouraged to contact Detective Heather Chavez of the Albuquerque Police Department at 505-768-2404 or hcchavez@cabq.gov, or the FBI Violent Criminal Apprehension Program He was born in Albuquerque, and lived in Los Lunas. The Gallup New Deal Art Virtual Museum has received another big boost from the National Endowment fo 'More time for sunshine.' Heather Chavez said she was helping move Tera Chavez's items out of the Los Lunas home in the weeks after the funeral. BERNALILLO, New Mexico The monthlong criminal trial and all its salacious stories of law officer affairs and a blundering investigation are over, but a civil trial looms for a former Albuquerque policeman acquitted of killing his depressed wife with his department-issued gun. Titleist Golf Bags 2021, He had to watch his parents pass away and they never had closure so they never knew what happened to Carla. BERNALILLO Two of Levi Chavezs alibi witnesses gave testimony in one case emotional and in the other combative in front of a packed courtroom this morning as control of the former Albuquerque police officers murder trial shifted to the defense. Serna said he doubted that Chavez would want return to the state's largest police department. I want to make sure that the general public understands that we are not targeting petty shoplifting or individuals who are shoplifting out of a need, we are targeting organized retail criminals, said Balderas. The donut shop has announced it has closed its South Valley and Northeast Heights locations. GallupARTS receives $400,000 grant for virtual project. Levi Chavez, in a surprise move, testified in his own defense. They also werent allowed to watch video of that deposition. I told you guys that from the beginning., After an intense walk out of the courthouse surrounded by cameras, reporters and family, Levi Chavez arrived at his car. Theres nothing I would like to have them work other types of overtime rather than standing at a retail store, said Chief Medina. But Keener pointed to more phone records that showed a call from Teras phone to Heathers on Sept. 29, 2007. De-extinction is a, Roundhouse Roundup: Paramilitary rules, youth parole, BCSO: Kids were living in dirty home containing drugs, Gun safety bill passes Senate, faces one more hurdle, Hobbs woman sentenced for stealing car with kids, Roswell PD: Woman steals, drives wrong-way to get, Case dismissed for teen accused of taking gun to, Whats happening around New Mexico Feb. 24 Mar. Perea, who initially asserted his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination, has been granted immunity for his testimony. Your email is safe with us, we dont spam. How long will the ski season last in New Mexico? He said in 2009 at the deposition that Thursday Oct. 18, 2007 was the last time he was there until Sunday night Oct. 21, when he says he discovered Teras body. He continued his education, attending the Police School of Staff and Command with Northwestern University. KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. Her boss at the time was worried so she went to Carlas house and knocked on her door. Heather Chavez is a Master Police Officer 1C at City of Albuquerque based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. 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. He was accused of using his APD issued gun in 2007 to kill her and then staging it to look like a suicide. 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. I didnt speak with her.. And why is it on my car? the 911 dispatcher asked. }, When asked by reporters for his reaction after the verdict, Levi Chavez said Im not surprised. Chavez was accused of killing Tera in October 2007 and making it look like a suicide. Albuquerque Police Contact. (Dean Hanson/Journal) 1:48 p.m. BERNALILLOTwenty-four days after Levi Chavez called. Its really hard to get your pulse on shoplifting numbers because a lot of companies dont even report things to the police, Chief Medina said. Read More. 74 0 obj In considering everything, I do not believe that the magazine was seated at the time this weapon was recovered, he said. , VIDEO: Giant I-40 light poles sway in strong ABQ, Taxidermy birds used to make drones at New Mexico, PHOTOS: Storm leaves parts of state covered in snow, PHOTOS: Winter storm moves through NM leaving snow, PHOTOS: Storm causes snowy, icy roads across New, Map: New Mexico Veterans Monuments and Memorials, 13 Broadcast Pl SW, Albuquerque, NM, 87104, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. NANCY: OCTOBER 28, 1992, CARLA HAD NOT SHOWN UP TO WORK AT THE CONVENIENCE STORE. In the fall of 2009, he transferred to the Property Crimes Division. The reason: Serna and prosecutors said Farrelly hadnt turned over everything he had on the case during discovery. Chavez was accused of killing his wife in October 2007 and making it look like a suicide. (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. . Justice was not served today, Cordova said. The Albuquerque City Council voted 8-0 on March 15, 2021 to confirm Medina's appointment as Chief of the Albuquerque Police Department. These initiatives led to the continued success in the reduction of property crimes in the Southwest Area Command. The defense claims Tera Chavez killed herself because she was depressed about her marriage. Decommissioned Nuclear Power Plant Scotland, State District Judge George P. Eichwald instructed the two to Quit arguing back and forth like kids.. New Mexico and ABQ News, Sports, Business and more, By Jeff Proctor / Journal Staff Writer Testimony and argument in the trial lasted five weeks. Contact. They werent told that tens of instances in which Levi Chavezs attorneys asserted his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination had been excised from the deposition. Georgetown University Diploma, Manage the news you want to see, read exclusive content and explore other subscriber benefits. However, he conceded that it was plausible.. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. But when Albuquerque Police For non-emergency police calls, call 505-242-COPS 311 COMMUNITY CONTACT CENTER The 311 Community Contact Center is a centralized call center for the City of Albuquerque. Self Service Car Washes Near Me, 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. Heinrich makes push on daylight Democratic senator from New Mexico partners Democratic senator from New Mexico partners with Republicans to reintroduce legislation in D.C. to make daylight saving time permanent. Engage via Email. The call did not go to voicemail. The city of Albuquerque already has paid Tera's family $230,000 to settle claims against it and its police department in the civil case. Instead, only the audio position of the recording was played in court. I didnt answer the call, Heather Chavez said. h***@cabq.gov. The DNA belonged to both Tera and Levi Chavez, according to Williams. 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. Last Update. 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. probate, or family law case, contact Attorney Levi M. Chavez, II at 505-415-2640. Albuquerque Community Connect Camera Registry and Integration. 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. HUM0W%FWD ,X{8n`j.{_il;xQne9oK^T(gB5eVhmmvPZu]u^Z@V.>2XYi-&+n q m4mNpI P]-)8m !5;RTTAdfI;H.KDYBd"kgBYJi !GG@5*GG0Zaowi&.0D6L%pI (Greg Sorber/Journal), Defense attorney David Serna speaks to reporters outside the Sandoval County Courthouse on Tuesday, July 16, 2013, after his client Levi Chavez was found not guilty of murdering his wife Tera Chavez in October 2007. Levi Chavez did, indeed, marry Heather Chavez (ne Hindi) in the summer of 2008. McKay and Keener admitted more than 220 exhibits into evidence, including the Glock handgun and more than 100 crime scene photographs. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Prosecutors Bryan McKay and Anne Keener declined to comment, as did the Tera Chavezs family, except for one comment from Jopseph Cordova, Tera father. Legal Statement. Mmmm detective Chavez with homicide, the text read. (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. She first pursued her career in writing in college. Many of the other defense exhibits were photographs, as well. Shaver had led the department for the preceding 23 years, after starting his career as a patrol officer in 1933. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! Farmington police still searching for answers in murder case 27 years later, CAN SOLVE THIS CASE. 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. Levi Chavez cried at the defense table while his mother testified. Boycott Black Lives Matter, Your email address will not be published. "She was upset. Who Wrote She's Like The Swallow, The evidence tampering charge stemmed from prosecutors allegation that Chavez then placed the gun and a shell casing near Teras body to make it appear that she had shot herself. Decommissioned Nuclear Power Plant Scotland, endstream Georgetown University Diploma, Published: Tuesday, July 2nd, 2013 at 12:05AMUpdated: Tuesday, July 2nd, 2013 at 2:08PM. Levi Chavez maintained his innocence throughout the trial, and he maintains his innocence even today. View Heather Hindi's record in Albuquerque, NM including current phone number, address, relatives, background check report, and property record with Whitepages. ) But, the disgraced former officer insisted that he did not kill his wife. The whole situation is just sick, she said through tears. Master Police Officer 1C at City of Albuquerque. [1] [2] Levi was initially charged with murdering his wife with his police issued Glock and making it appear as a suicide. Because we are targeting the worst of the worst we are finding and building other criminal cases, Attorney General Hector Balderas said. Thats the past, Heather Chavez said in court Friday. He was honored as the Uniformed Officer of the month as a patrol officer three times. (AP Photo/Albuquerque Journal, Adolphe Pierre-Louis). Before reading the verdict Judge George P. Eichwald admonished the gallery, saying he had observed a lot of animosity. Box 1293 One Civic Plaza Room 7057 Albuquerque New Mexico 87103. Its not a taboo subject at all.. stream 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.. << /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 [] >> Weve made it clear to them: Teras your mother, and she loves you,' she said of Tera and Levis children. Levi Chavez refuted Slamas claims when he testified. ITS A HEAVY WEIGHT TO CARRY. He became a first-generation college student and graduated within four years. The 311 Community Contact Center is a centralized call center for the City of Albuquerque. He asked Radosevich whether it would be possible to release the magazine after shooting oneself with the gun in that position. Judge Eichwald ultimately allowed the question, to which Radosevich answered: At the time (Jones) recovered it, yes, Jones said the magazine was unseated. 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. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of KOAT-TV. He told the 911 operator, Please tell them to hurry! and said shed committed suicide, PEOPLE reported. Self Service Car Washes Near Me, Others, including Radosevich, have testified that, based on less-than-ideal crime scene photographs, the magazine appeared to have possibly been unseated.. Heres how the Glock works, according to Radosevichs testimony and a demonstration he made for the jury with the gun used to kill Tera inside the Chavezes home near Los Lunas in October 2007: The magazine, a polymer piece that holds bullets, is inserted into the butt of the pistol. Heather is related to Philip P Pratt and Judith A Pratt as well as 3 additional people. During his career, he was a patrol officer for 9 years. He cried as he described finding Tera dead in the couples home and said he is a changed man who, after her death, spoke to priests in an effort to leave his philandering ways behind. Keener pressed Heather Chavez on a statement she made during her deposition that her sexual relationship with Levi Chavez began in a car. Stores across the Metro are now employing armed private security guards with limited use of force as asset protection. ;$X@UqD BXHp 9@B$T001VlHE 5 Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? For example: the prosecution was barred from calling to the stand Richard Farrelly, a state Insurance Fraud Bureau agent who investigated allegations that Levi Chavez and his cop buddies had staged the theft of Chavezs pickup truck as part of an insurance scam. He received the Uniformed Officer of the Year for the Albuquerque Police Department in 2004. APDs mission is to build relationships through community policing that will lead to reduced crime and increased safety. %PDF-1.7 That witness, Rose Slama, also testified that she told Levi Chavez about his wifes allegations. She said a lot of the jurys discussion centered around testimony and evidence involving the gun that killed Tera Levi Chavezs department-issued Glock 9 mm pistol. On Oct. 28, 1992, a Farmington woman was brutally murdered. His philosophy was to help improve public trust and community partnerships. Download the Albuquerque Police Department's Organizational Chart. 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.. She basically said she wanted someone to love her," Nick Wheeler testified last Friday. In 2014, Medina retired from the Albuquerque Police Department and shortly thereafter became the Chief of Police for the Pueblo of Laguna. Under often-contentious direct examination by Assistant District Attorney Anne Keener, Heather Chavez conceded that October 2007 wasnt the first time she had ever spoken to Levi Chavez. He stopped McKay on a few occasions and asked whether he could talk to my jury.. Please call the 118th Street Task Force at 1-877-765-8273 , (505) 768-2450 or Crime Stoppers at (505) 843-STOP with any information you may have concerning this crime. 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. (a.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded",n,!1),e.addEventListener("load",n,!1)):(e.attachEvent("onload",n),a.attachEvent("onreadystatechange",function(){"complete"===a.readyState&&t.readyCallback()})),(n=t.source||{}).concatemoji?c(n.concatemoji):n.wpemoji&&n.twemoji&&(c(n.twemoji),c(n.wpemoji)))}(window,document,window._wpemojiSettings); window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; Freed: Levi Chavez, right, a Get the help of an immigration lawyer in Albuquerque, NM, by contacting Cristina Chvez, Attorney at Law, LLC. Email addresses are used solely for verification and to speed the verification process for repeat questioners. 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.

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