Perea, who initially asserted his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination, has been granted immunity for his testimony. Serna told Chavez. He stopped McKay on a few occasions and asked whether he could talk to my jury.. Heather is related to Philip P Pratt and Judith A Pratt as well as 3 additional people. Self Service Car Washes Near Me, APDs vision is an Albuquerque where citizens and the police department work together through mutual trust to build a thriving community. After more than 10 hours of deliberations, a jury acquitted Levi Chavez, 32, of murdering of his wife, 26-year-old Tera Chavez, in 2007 and trying to make the hairdresser's death look like a suicide. Some of the evidence in the civil case, like testimony from an insurance investigator about the fake theft allegations, was barred in murder trial. He has pled not guilty. Subscribe now to access decluttered news, chosen by you. This comes as the number of cases continues to rise and the offenses more and more violent. Romero says Chavez was with her for part of the weekend when his wife was shot. Serna said his client was a victim of an overly aggressive former detective and "lies" from local media outlets, although none reported Serna ever requesting for a retraction or correction from any stories since 2007. << /Lang /MarkInfo << /Marked true >> /Outlines 6 0 R /PageLayout /OneColumn /Pages 5 0 R /StructTreeRoot 9 0 R /Type /Catalog >> As McKay began to ask Radosevich whether Jones had passed along the information about the magazine not being secured into the butt of the pistol, Serna twice lodged objections, claiming such testimony from Radosevich would be hearsay. Heather Chavez said she hadnt remembered those calls when she gave a deposition in a civil wrongful death lawsuit filed by Teras family against Levi. OFFICERS FOUND HER BODY INSIDE. Heather A Pratt-chavez is a Pediatric Medicine Specialist in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The other half of Heather Chavezs wish a move to the APD homicide unit never came to pass. gtag('js', new Date()); Keener pressed Heather Chavez on a statement she made during her deposition that her sexual relationship with Levi Chavez began in a car. Below you will find a list of surnames similar to Heather Chavez that were found in public records. A forensic pathologist testified earlier in the trial that Tera died almost immediately after one shot was fired into her mouth. Boycott Black Lives Matter, Some extra notes, quotes, news and notes from the Lobos Friday night basketball game in Fort Collins, Colorado. (Dean Hanson/Journal) 1:48 p.m. BERNALILLOTwenty-four days after Levi Chavez called. He is the city's top ticket-writer and one of the most complained-about cops in town. OVER THE YEARS DETECTIVES INTERVIEWED A LOT OF PEOPLE, STILL NEARLY THREE DECADES LATER, NO ARRESTS. Read More. And why is it on my car? The Albuquerque City Council voted 8-0 on March 15, 2021 to confirm Medina's appointment as Chief of the Albuquerque Police Department. They deliberated all day Monday and began again at about 1 p.m. today. During testimony on Friday, she said she was referring to herself in the text. 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 Decommissioned Nuclear Power Plant Scotland, New Mexico and ABQ News, Sports, Business and more, By Jeff Proctor / Journal Staff Writer In case you missed it, here's a repeat of a major event that is unfolding in the Levi Chavez trial. 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. So Eichwald ruled that Farrellys testimony would be too prejudicial toward Levi Chavez. LeviChavezLaw . A female juror spoke with reporters about 45 minutes after the verdict was read in the courtroom. On Oct. 28, 1992, a Farmington woman was brutally murdered. You can cut the tension with a knife in here, Eichwald said. There was a lot the jury didnt hear, too, because of bitter pretrial wrangling much of which shook out in favor of the defense. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. Police officers will often tell you theres no such thing as a routine call when youre patrolling the streets. That case is scheduled to be heard in state District Court in Bernalillo County and has been on hold while the criminal trial was held. In the fall of 2009, he transferred to the Property Crimes Division. He became a first-generation college student and graduated within four years. State District Judge George P. Eichwald instructed the two to Quit arguing back and forth like kids.. Albuquerque. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Levi Chavez refuted Slamas claims when he testified. Her boss at the time was worried so she went to Carlas house and knocked on her door. 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. Also in court on Friday, jurors heard a heavily redacted recording of the deposition Levi Chavez gave in the civil case. "There never was a case against Levi Chavez," Serna said. Chavez was charged with first-degree murder and evidence tampering in an April 2011 indictment. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. NANCY: POLICE BELIEVE SOMEONE DOES KNOW WHO KILLED CARLA. On Tuesday, the court heard from police officer Regina Sanchez, who admitted to having an affair with Chavez in 2006. 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. Please God," Chavez responded. His philosophy was to help improve public trust and community partnerships. The Gallup New Deal Art Virtual Museum has received another big boost from the National Endowment fo 'More time for sunshine.' "She was upset. Box 1293 One Civic Plaza Room 7057 Albuquerque New Mexico 87103. He has pled not guilty. Legal Statement. Romero said she was under the impression they were separated and going through a divorce. She left the courtroom in tears and came back in eight minutes later, still dabbing at her eyes with a tissue. Levi Chavez is the Husband of Tera, and he was a police officer with the Albuquerque Police Department. Upon his acquittal, Levi dedicated his life to fighting for the falsely accused. 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. View the Department Summary Sworn Personnel (as of July 29, 2022). 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. Chavez has been charged with first-degree murder and tampering with evidence. 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. The juror said the decision was difficult but unanimous. Critics, supporters offer differing opinions on program's future in New Mexico, Zinc Wine Bar & Bistro to reopen after three years. "Can you touch her? The number of how many incidents across Albuquerque is hard to track says Chief Medina. the Albuquerque Police Department. 74 0 obj "I'm going to go to church, pray my Rosary and thank my Virgin Mary," Chavez said as he was crowded by reporters. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Other names that Heather uses includes Heather Ripley, Heather C Chavez, Heather C Hindi, Heather C Ripley and Heather Hindi. Testimony and argument in the trial lasted five weeks. John Chavez, age 35, a devoted and loving father, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2020. Trying to figure out where the medical cannabis program stands now is up for debate one side saying the program is expected to 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. Chavez has never been charged with any wrongdoing. Dr. Chavez works in Albuquerque, NM and 1 other location and specializes in Obstetrics & Gynecology. The civil case will proceed as soon as state District Judge Ted Baca sets a date. 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. Someone had to press that magazine release after (the Glock) was fired, he said. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. 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. Thats also where she was working on Oct. 8, 2007, the first time she met Levi Chavez, according to her testimony. , 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. Heather Chavez said she was helping move Tera Chavez's items out of the Los Lunas home in the weeks after the funeral. Serna said he doubted that Chavez would want return to the state's largest police department. 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. 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. Levi Chavez called 911 around 9 p.m. that day, Oct. 21, 2007, to say his wife had shot herself in the head. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of KOAT-TV. Their additional three locations remain open. %PDF-1.7 He also focused on providing prevention and intervention education strategies to the local Albuquerque high school students. For non-emergency police calls, call 505-242-COPS. 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. Get the Android Weather app from Google Play, MLB pitchers adjusting to quick pace of new pitch, Military prospects see NFL hopes rise after policy, Female minor league manager gets day as D-backs bench, Grosjean leads Andretti qualifying sweep for IndyCar, Bertuzzi sets up goal in Bruins 4-2 win over Rangers, New Mexico Gas Company leaders explain high winter gas bills, San Juan County sheriff who shot a dog tells his side of the story, New Mexico man sentenced for trafficking 45 lbs of meth from Mexico. View the sitemap for the City of Albuquerque website. In 2011, the Albuquerque police officer was accused of murder. ITS A HEAVY WEIGHT TO CARRY. (Adolphe Pierre-Louis /Journal), Former APD officer Levi Chavez reacts to being found not guilty of murder on Tuesday, July 16, 2013. 72 0 obj Upon announcing the verdict, the family of Levi Chavez, including his current wife Albuquerque detective Heather Chavez, let out gasps and wept. Prosecutors, he said, had not presented enough evidence for any reasonable finder of fact to convict his client. yG9e=I0IA pj1"J Mailing Address P.O. In 2007, Medina was promoted to the Lieutenant rank and remained there for 2 years. endstream Rebecca Sarker Sister Sunetra, Heather Chavez, Levi Chavez's current wife, testifies during his murder trial on Friday, June 28, 2013. "I don't feel like speaking for his future.". 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. 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. One reporter asked what he plans to do now, Im going to go to church, pray my rosary and thank my Virgin Mary.. The following article appeared on page A1 of the Tuesday, June 2, 2013 edition of the Albuquerque Journal. 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. During the next 19 months through the use of community poling principles he created partnerships with community stakeholders, and increased internal communication and cooperation. Levi Chavez cried at the defense table while his mother testified. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.(KRQE) The attorney general and the Albuquerque Police Department are cracking down on serial shoplifters and organized retail crime. Decommissioned Nuclear Power Plant Scotland, Blastocyst culture and Blastocyst embryo transfer, Fertility consultation and fertility treatment planning. t|!iej@,RUAp*tG;^ppxu\>q 1T}|{U\x lX2pdRHB zg_h";*uJYUXd\.~|}wWI]'l+F Q~18OMU. This included partnerships with the schools, teachers and laws enforcement with a focused presentation of alcohol awareness to students. Who Wrote She's Like The Swallow, . xc````` ]ep e1BU&lwYp3Y76fb`;RD" All rights reserved. Pedro Taylor Football, Titleist Golf Bags 2021, 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. Over the years, detectives. 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. Thats the past, Heather Chavez said in court Friday. 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.. Market data provided by Factset. Email. The attorney general says these operations are partnerships with big box stores like Home Depot and Target. 11/21/2022 12:47 AM. According to her testimony, Heather Chavez was in Chicago with her parents the weekend Tera died. "He's got several plans in the works," Serna said. Repeatedly throughout the trial and again on Thursday Serna has said Levi Chavez had last been in Los Lunas on Oct. 19. Shortly after the states last witness and the jury were excused Monday, Levis attorney, David Serna, asked state District Judge George P. Eichwald to find Chavez not guilty with a directed verdict. 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 . They included Levi Chavezs mother, the APD officer who was sharing a police car with Chavez the weekend Tera died (that officer testified with a promise of immunity after trying to exert his Fifth Amendment right against self incrimination to stay off the stand) two nationally known experts on crime scene reconstruction and firearms and a suicidologist, who said Tera had several of the risk factors associated with someone headed toward suicide. Nobody answered, so she called police.Officers showed up and found Carla's body inside. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. !function(e,a,t){var n,r,o,i=a.createElement("canvas"),p=i.getContext&&i.getContext("2d");function s(e,t){var a=String.fromCharCode;p.clearRect(0,0,i.width,i.height),p.fillText(a.apply(this,e),0,0);e=i.toDataURL();return p.clearRect(0,0,i.width,i.height),p.fillText(a.apply(this,t),0,0),e===i.toDataURL()}function c(e){var t=a.createElement("script");t.src=e,t.defer=t.type="text/javascript",a.getElementsByTagName("head")[0].appendChild(t)}for(o=Array("flag","emoji"),t.supports={everything:!0,everythingExceptFlag:!0},r=0;r> % Titleist Golf Bags 2021, Ex-New Mexico police officer acquitted of wife's murder Associated Press July 16, 2013: Levi Chavez, right, a former Albuquerque police officer, gets a hug from his wife, Heather. On Jan. 15, 2008, Heather Chavez gave an interview to then-Detective Jones of VCSO. 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. They included: members of Teras family, her friends, a longtime New Mexico medical examiner, two veteran lawmen who testified as expert witnesses, APD officers who went to the Chavezes home after the 911 call, several of Levi Chavezs paramours including two who were fellow APD officers and his current wife, whom he began seeing almost immediately after Teras death. He had to watch his parents pass away and they never had closure so they never knew what happened to Carla. New Mexico and ABQ News, Sports, Business and more, By Jeff Proctor / Journal Staff Writer 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. BERNALILLO The magazine that held the bullets for Levi Chavezs APD-issued Glock 9 mm pistol took center stage in a Sandoval County courtroom Monday morning as the former officers murder trial rolled into its fourth week of testimony. All rights reserved. THEY KNEVER KNEW WHO WAS RESPONSIBLE. Your email address will not be published. endobj Detective Heather Chavez with the Farmington police said.Police believe Carla likely knew her attacker. The unfaithfulness began early in the couples 10-year relationship, around the time Tera became pregnant with the couples first child shortly before her 16th birthday. Over the years, detectives interviewed a lot of people. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. She said she passed that information along to her son, who decided to go by the couples home to check on Tera. That would have been after she moved out of the home she shared with Steve Hindi, according to her testimony. Prosecutors allege that he killed Tera in the couple's Los Lunas home on either Oct. 19, 20 or 21, 2007 and tried to make. Debra Romero, also a police officer in the department, admitted to having an affair with Levi Chavez. endstream Prosecutors argued over the word unfounded, noting that authorities had scheduled a grand jury to hear evidence in the alleged insurance fraud case, but Farrellys boss pulled the plug on that presentation at the last minute in 2010. The reason: Serna and prosecutors said Farrelly hadnt turned over everything he had on the case during discovery. 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. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) - The family of 33-year-old Erika Chavez, the Albuquerque woman who died in a car crash, said their lives will never be the same. << /Annots 92 0 R /Contents [ 77 0 R 78 0 R 79 0 R 80 0 R 81 0 R 82 0 R 83 0 R 84 0 R ] /CropBox [ 0.0 0.0 612.0 792.0 ] /Group 108 0 R /MediaBox [ 0.0 0.0 612.0 792.0 ] /Parent 5 0 R /Resources << /ColorSpace << /CS0 95 0 R /CS1 96 0 R >> /ExtGState << /GS0 97 0 R >> /Font << /TT0 99 0 R /TT1 101 0 R /TT2 103 0 R /TT3 105 0 R >> /XObject << /Im0 88 0 R /Im1 89 0 R /Im2 90 0 R >> >> /Rotate 0 /StructParents 0 /Tabs /S /Type /Page >> Contact Number (505) ***-**** Engage via Phone. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Subscribe now to access decluttered news, chosen by you. Prosecutors Bryan McKay and Anne Keener declined to comment, as did the Tera Chavezs family, except for one comment from Jopseph Cordova, Tera father. (Adolphe Pierre-Louis/Journal), Tera Chavez's brother Aaron Cordova, left, her parents Theresa and Joseph Cordova, prosecutors Bryan McKay and Anne Keener, along with former Valencia County detective Aaron Jones, arrive at the Sandoval County District Court for the verdict in the murder trial of APD officer Levi Chavez on Tuesday, July 16, 2013. Ex-wife Heather Hindi left him for alleged wife-killer Levi Chavez. On July 5, 2008, half of the desire she expressed in the text came true. Jurors nine women and three men received the case shortly after 5 p.m. Friday following closing arguments by defense attorney David Serna and prosecutors Anne Keener and Bryan McKay. He strongly believes in working with the community to educate and have an understanding of community-oriented policing. (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. Dash Dash World Controls, Can you bring your e-cigarette on a plane? Also, a new bullet was in the Glocks firing chamber when law enforcement arrived at the Chavezes home. Published: Saturday, June 29th, 2013 at 12:05AMUpdated: Saturday, June 29th, 2013 at 12:41AM. Still -- nearly three decades later -- no arrests. Serna has sought to poke holes in those assessments. Two major arrests have recently been made: one being Isaiah Martinez who is accused of organizing a mass theft of multiple sunglass huts across the city, with a value of $53,000 dollars back in October 2021. Justice was not served today, Cordova said. Heather Chavez, Albuquerque Police Department, NM, (505) 768-2404, 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. 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.Police are asking people with legitimate tips to contact the Farmington Police Department detective's hotline at 505-599-1068 or CrimeStoppers in Farmington at 334-tips. Jones was the lead investigator handling the death of Tera Chavez for the Valencia County Sheriffs Office. ", Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. The Gallup New Deal Art Virtual Museum has received another big boost from the National Endowment fo 'More time for sunshine.' Dash Dash World Controls, New Mexico State Police, Albuquerque Police Department, and Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office, and recently added representatives from the U.S. Drug . She said some jurors even cried during deliberations. 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. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) - The attorney general and the Albuquerque Police Department are cracking down on serial shoplifters and organized retail crime. APD and AG are hoping to bring harsher charges for those who are more violent offenders or serial shoplifters. probate, or family law case, contact Attorney Levi M. Chavez, II at 505-415-2640. I couldve been a better parent and recommended that it was in the best interest that they not be together, she said. >> IT HAS BEEN A VERY LONG TIME. Reportedly, he is married to APD Detective Heather, who was also present throughout the trial. Master Police Officer 1C at City of Albuquerque. He introduced and developed several first-time programs that emphasized on outreach to local youth. During his career, he was a patrol officer for 9 years. [1] [2] Levi was initially charged with murdering his wife with his police issued Glock and making it appear as a suicide. 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. Prosecutors could wrap up the case by the end of the week and Levi Chavez's attorney tells ABC News his client might take the stand. Now they are calling on Albuquerque P No lucktill we finally figured out how to get it from the police department! Medina was named interim Chief of Police in September 2020, and appointed by Mayor Keller to serve as permanent Chief of Police in March 2021. His much-anticipated testimony did not appear to help either side, as Perea said that he couldnt be sure where Levi Chavez was for the entirety of the two swing shifts. He was honored as the Uniformed Officer of the month as a patrol officer three times. (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. endobj Prosecutors put 36 witnesses on the stand. HER BOSS WENT TO HER HOUSE. Im innocent. Levi M. Chavez, II, Esq. The defense claims Tera Chavez killed herself because she was depressed about her marriage.
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