rules the death self-inflicted The medical examiner ruled Tera's death a suicide. He was accused of murdering his wife by the victim's family and one of the detectives working the case and was ultimately acquitted of all charges in 2013 after being found not guilty by a jury. Former APD officer Levi Chavez is accused of killing his wife Tera. In court today, she said the calls were work related, and Keener did not press her for specifics. "This was a made up pile of lies from the beginning and it took the jury approximately 10 hours to find that out. The court also heard that Hindi had been texting Levi Chavez just three weeks after his wifes death and suggesting that the two get married. According to reports, an Albuquerque, New Mexico police officer Levi Chaves was suspected of shooting and murdering his 26-year-old wife, Tera Chavez, with his issued service gun after investigators reportedly presumed that he attempted to cover up the crime as a suicide. THEY WERE MARRIED JULY 2008, DAYS AFTER SHE FINALIZED HER DIVORCE WITH ANOTHER APD OFFICER. A former Albuquerque police officer has been acquitted of murder in the death of his wife after a trial that contained a series of salacious revelations about his extramarital affairs with. She was an indoor girl, kind of girly. Her room was the best room in the house to walk into because it smelled so good.. State District Judge George P. Eichwald instructed the two to Quit arguing back and forth like kids.. Levi Chavez, 32, was accused of killing his hairdresser wife with his police-issued handgun and making it look like a suicide amid a crumbling marriage that included a love triangle at her hair . Prosecutors allege that 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. 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. Tera, a four-year-old girl, died in August 2017 when her car seat was too full of pillows and blankets while she was strapped into it. Chavez was tried in 2013 for murder and tampering with evidence in the death of his wife Tera Chavez. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. 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. 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. Levi started working for Heading Home in 2015. Now that so many years have gone by, lets take a look at where he currently is, shall we? A Comprehensive Review of Edubirdies Academic Writing Service. Her family said they knew there was trouble in the relationship and they had heard Levi Chavez was cheating on his wife, Alibi reported. 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. According to their website, Levi holds the title of Emergency Housing Director at their Westside Emergency Housing Center. Manage the news you want to see, read exclusive content and explore other subscriber benefits. BERNALILLO, N.M. 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. Annalise died after being pushed off the roof in December 2009. But the prosecutors had alleged that he . According to reports, he is now the husband of APD Detective Heather. Levi was engaged to Heather Hindi two months after Tera died and married a few months later, according to PEOPLE. August 7, 2015. Klicken Sie auf Alle ablehnen, wenn Sie nicht mchten, dass wir und unsere Partner Cookies und personenbezogene Daten fr diese zustzlichen Zwecke verwenden. For instance, detectives said that the night before the young mothers death, Levi Chavez was at his girlfriends house, according to PEOPLE. She didnt leave them., When she was just 15 years old, Tera met Levi Chavez and became pregnant with his child, Alibi reported. This week I spotted my very sweet friend's husband on a dating app and what I did next will leave most of you outraged, writes JANA HOCKING, Billionaire financier Thomas H. 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In July 2013, Levi Chavez was found not guilty of first-degree murder. 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. The trial for a man accused of killing his wife while he was an Albuquerque cop and then trying to cover it up started Monday. She attended Teras funeral, according to her testimony, as did many other APD officers. She said she knew Tera had died and Levi Chavez told her the couples two children were home that weekend. Homeowner finds gruesome animal skeleton hidden behind cupboard for 30 years - so can you guess what it is? Alicia Castro is the former Argentine Ambassador to Venezuela and current Argentine Ambassador in the United Kingdom. Under the name Heading Home, this organization has connections in New Mexico, according to its website. Cinemaholic reports that Chavez was accepted at the University of New Mexico Law School and began studying for his degree in 2016, where he specialized in criminal law. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. 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. She liked to draw, and she liked to write poetry, she recalled. She was quiet. Read a reflection on the importance of community partners from our WEHC Emergency Housing Director Levi Chavez. There is no confirmation on whether she is still a part of the Albuquerque Police Department. Levi Chavez. "There never was a case against Levi Chavez," Serna said. 'Guilt doesn't even begin to describe it.'. The murder trial eventually took place in the summer of 2013 and lasted a total of 21 days of testimony and two days of deliberation, KOAT wrote. Upon returning home in mid-November not even a month after Tera's murder, that officer saw a car parked around the corner from his house. Thats also where she was working on Oct. 8, 2007, the first time she met Levi Chavez face-to-face, according to her testimony. That wouldve been after she moved out of the home she shared with Steve Hindi, according to her testimony. Then, on April 7, 2011, the police officer was charged with Tera Chavezs murder, arrested and fired from his job with the police department, KOAT wrote. Serna on Thursday spent two and a half hours cross-examining Citizen. 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. A few years later, the family of four moved back to New Mexico, where Levi Chavez became a police officer with the Alburquerque Police Department and Tera Chavez started going to barber college. After more than 10 hours of deliberations, a jury acquitted Chavez, 32, of murdering his depressed wife, 26-year-old Tera Chavez, in 2007 and trying to make the hairdresser's . Following all this, the investigating officers on this case thought that they finally found a motive; Levi killed his wife because he didnt want to get caught engaging in illegal activities and wanted to pursue other relationships without worries. Under often-contentious cross-examination by Assistant District Attorney Anne Keener that bordered on combative, Heather Chavez conceded that October 2007 wasnt the first time she had ever spoken to Levi Chavez. [1] [2] Levi was initially charged with murdering his wife with his police issued Glock and making it appear as a suicide. Chavez alleged malicious prosecution, malicious abuse of process, defamation, and outrageous conduct, court documents show. Thats the past, Heather Chavez said in court today. Be the first one to comment on this story. Police officer Levi Chavez called 911 in 2007 to report that hed come home to find his wife deceased of a headshot wound. He told the operator she killed herself and that he hadnt said anything because He thought she needed time.. After Chavez left the store, Garley sent him a text message on his newly purchased phone to tell him he had nice eyes, she said from the witness stand. Heres what you need to know about Tera Chavezs death: Levi Chavez said he came home on October 22, 2007, and found his wife dead from a gunshot wound from his service weapon, PEOPLE wrote. They married in July 2008, just a few days after Hindis divorce from another Albuquerque police officer was finalized. Heavy reached out to UNM for additional information about Chavezs admission status; however, we did not receive a response by press time. Right. Facebook gives people the power to. Facebook And did you have intimate relations at 11 ash place in 07? In August 2013, Chavez was acquitted of the murder charges. Im innocent. Im innocent. Play it now! Over the next several months, detectives began digging into Levi Chavezs story and the investigation eventually deemed her death a homicide. Levi's Obituary On July 9, 2021, we lost our father, Levi Chavez, Levi passed away at the awesome age of 95. I wasnt worried.. According to reports, an Albuquerque, New Mexico police officer Levi Chaves was suspected of shooting and murdering his 26-year-old wife, Tera Chavez, with his issued service gun after. Levi Chavez was working at the Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department when he was arrested in 2011, but it wasnt until two years later, in 2013, that he stood trial for the charges against him. Based on the information provided on their website, Levi is now serving as the Emergency Housing Director at their Westside Emergency Housing Center. you were talking about yourself, and you were talking about possibly marrying him bc his name was chavez, and you wanted to go to homicide. Levi Chavez eventually filed a federal lawsuit against Aaron Jones, who was a detective with the Valencia County Sheriffs Department at the time of Teras death and was one of the first on the scene. So where is Levi Chavez now? On redirect examination, Assistant District Attorney Anne Keener asked only one question. After being pronounced not guilty by a jury in 2013, Levi sought to become a lawyer after a couple of years of training and was admitted into the University of New Mexico Law School, where he reportedly concentrated on criminal law. It looks like Chavez is now working for a nonprofit that provides emergency and permanent housing to homeless individuals. WE ALSO LEARNED FRIDAY THAT HEATHER-WENT TO TERA CHAVEZ'S FUNERAL. Dated Nov. 14, 2007, it was from a fellow APD officer whose name, at the time, was Heather Hindi. Now her parents speak to News 13. [3], The night prior to the death of his wife Tera, Levi had spent the night at his girlfriend's house. 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. M.E. Some of the evidence in the civil case, like testimony from an insurance investigator about the fake theft allegations, was barred in murder trial. Jones showed Heather Chavez crime scene photos from Teras death scene and told her people were worried about her. "I don't feel like speaking for his future.". Her twin brother described her as a strong woman and a loving mother. Levi Chavez's current wife, Heather Chavez, took the stand Friday.She detailed the development of the pair's relationship following the death of Levi Chavez's former wife, Tera. Heather Chavez said that, despite the appearance given in the text she sent Levi about taking his last name and more than 400 calls between the two from Oct. 8, 2007 to Dec. 12 of that year they did not begin a sexual relationship until late November or early December.. The two exchanged seven telephone calls on May 12 of that year, according to cellphone records that investigators found under a mattress Tera Chavezs body was lying on. Dr. Chavez works in Albuquerque, NM and 1 other location and specializes in Obstetrics & Gynecology. One key talking point during the investigation into Tera Chavezs death and the murder trial was how quickly Levi Chavez appeared to have moved on. Please enter valid email address to continue. He had come to the CACU 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. Heather Chavezs statement in court today was that the couple only kissed in the car. Levi was initially charged with murdering his wife with his police issued Glock and making it appear as a suicide. Chavez claimed that his wife committed suicide because of his many affairs. 'He's got several plans in the works,' Serna said. Check arrest records, resumes and CV, photos and videos, news, social media profiles, publications, places of employment, work history and public records . In October of 2007, Tera, a mother of two, allegedly shot and killed herself at the couple's home while their children were at a family member's house. In March 2020, Nob Hill mainstay Zinc Wine Bar & Bistro closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Tera Chavez was found dead of a gunshot wound and while her death was initially ruled a suicide, her husband was eventually charged with her murder. The OTHER side of the law: Former Albuquerque police officer Levi Chavez seen here in his mugshot after allegedly murdering his wife. I didnt speak with her.. 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. Upon announcing the verdict, the family of Levi Chavez, including his current wife Albuquerque detective Heather Chavez, let out gasps and wept. In the 6-week-long court hearing, there were testimonies from police officers, pathologists, the women Levi had affairs with, as well as Teras family. LIVE IN SANDOVAL COUNTY LZ KOAT ACTION 7 NEWS.. COUNT ON KOAT-DOT-COM FOR. Do not sell or share my personal information. Jones also told her that Levi Chavez had numerous affairs while he was married to Tera, but according to Keeners characterization of Heather Chavezs previous statements, she wasnt interested. Katrina Garley testified that she met Levi Chavez when he walked into the Verizon cellphone store in Los Lunas to buy a phone in early October 2007. / CBS News. We raised Andrea as a family., The young couple married in 2000 even though their relationship was already facing some problems, her brothers said. Critics, supporters offer differing opinions on program's future in New Mexico, University of New Mexico Hospital launching health care listening tour, Zinc Wine Bar & Bistro to reopen after three years. Serna said he doubted that Chavez would want return to the state's largest police department. IN THE WEEKS AFTER THE FUNERAL SHE WAS HELPING MOVE TERA'S ITEMS OUT OFTHE LOS LUNAS HOME ANDMORE. Joseph Cordova, Teras father, told the outlet, The culture which we grew up in, his family was from law enforcement. After Garleys testimony, Serna and Keener argued for more than 45 minutes outside the presence of the jury about which of the cellphone data examined by an FBI analyst should be shown to the jury. His new wife, Heather Hindi, who was one of his fellow officers, also testified on the stand. 2013 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. The upcoming episode of Dateline Unforgettable will premiere at 8.00 pm ET on Tuesday, June 14, 2022. I didnt do anything wrong.. On the morning of Oct. 22, 2007, Levi said he came home in Los Lunas and found his wife dead in bed from a gunshot to her mouth. I knew Id be acquitted. The Harwood Museum of Art's exhibition 'Outriders: Legacy of the Black Cowboy' explores this history through archival photographs and contemporary art. She loved hard. On the morning of Oct. 22, 2007, Levi said he came home in Los Lunas and found his wife dead in bed from a gunshot to her mouth. 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. Tera Chavez died on 22nd October 2007 at Los Lunas, New Mexico, United States, she was 26 years old during her time of death and according to the report she died from a gunshot wound from her husband's service weapon. Levi has undergraduate degrees from UNM and CNM, as well as a law degree from the UNM School of Law. Would love your thoughts, please comment. I knew Id be acquitted. On Jan. 15, 2008, Heather Chavez gave an interview to then-Detective Aaron Jones, who was investigating Teras death for the Valencia County Sheriffs Office. 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. 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. Your login session has expired. 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. A Bernalillo County deputy was reportedly not injured after their vehicle rolled in a two-vehicle, Trying to figure out where the medical cannabis program stands now is up for debate, Hospital CEO Kate Becker says 'we really want to hear from our community about what. One day, [the kids] are going to be of age, and theyre going to want to know, her father told Alibi. I told you guys that from the beginning. Josh Mankiewicz reports. Also in court this morning, jurors heard a heavily redacted recording of the deposition Levi Chavez gave in the civil case. Payton Gendron: Why Payton Gendron Got Arrested? After gaining back his freedom, Levi Chavez decided that he wanted to change his career but still be in the justice system. May 1, 2008. Accused: Prosecutors have depicted Levi Chavez as a philanderer whose marriage was crumbling, and say he killed his wife after she found out he had staged the theft of his pickup truck to collect the insurance proceeds. He also told her she should have more information., I listened, Heather Chavez said about the interview. New Mexico, 2007: Tera Chavez, a police officer's wife, is found shot dead in the mouth of an apparent suicide. "Please tell them to hurry!" the 26-year-old can be heard saying. That treatment included sexual relationships with four different women and constant breakups that began with way back when the couple were high school students. Her Albuquerque police officer husband found her and called 911. 'Justice was not served,' Joseph Cordova, the father of Tera Chavez, said after listening to the verdict with his wife. Please review our privacy policy here: https://heavy.com/privacy-policy/, Copyright 2023 Heavy, Inc. All rights reserved. Powered by. If the scores of text messages, call logs, pictures of Teras children and photos of her kitties were going to be admitted as evidence, Serna argued, so, too, should the naked pictures and videos. Chavez could spend the rest of his life in prison if convicted on charges that he killed Tera Chavez, 26, in the couples home near Los Lunas and tried to make it look like a suicide. In 2018, the case was dismissed due to missing information and incorrect information that was cited as reasons to dismiss the case. BREAKING: Former APD officer Levi Chavez back in jail: A Valencia County judge has sent Levi Chavez back to jail after a hearing on Wednesday. According to the prosecution, she was on the verge of filing a complaint against him for fraudulent activity. As soon as this grand jury indictment came out, Levi was fired from the Albuquerque Police Department, from where he had been on administrative leave for over a year. The Valencia County District Attorney stated Chavez violated the . Email addresses are used solely for verification and to speed the verification process for repeat questioners. But on direct examination by Bryan McKay, senior trial attorney for the 13th Judicial District Attorneys Office, Garley testified that she also went to the home the Chavezes had shared at 11 Ash Place on the weekend of Nov. 11 and 12, 2007.
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