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 . Former APD officer Levi Chavez is accused of killing his wife Tera. Heather Chavezs statement in court today was that the couple only kissed in the car. 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. Now her parents speak to News 13. I knew Id be acquitted. 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. Throughout the trial, Levi Chavez steadfastly asserted his innocence and continues to do so. state calls heather chavez : IT DIDN'T TAKE LONG FOR THE PROSECUTION TO JUMP RIGHT INTO THE PERSONAL DETAILS OF APD DETECTIVE HEATHER HINDI'S BLOSSOMING RELATIONSHIP WITH RECENT WIDOWER LEVI CHAVEZ IN 2007.' She was an indoor girl, kind of girly. Her twin brother described her as a strong woman and a loving mother. All Rights Reserved. Your email is safe with us, we dont spam. Thats also where she was working on Oct. 8, 2007, the first time she met Levi Chavez face-to-face, according to her testimony. 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. In August 2013, Chavez was acquitted of the murder charges. Levi Chavez Found 43 people in New Mexico, Arizona and 24 other states. I did WE ALSO LEARNED TODAY THAT UNDERNEATH THE MATTRESS ON WHICH TERA CHAVEZ WAS FOUND DEAD WAS A CALL LOG FROM LEVI'S CELL PHONE. But, the disgraced former officer insisted that he did not kill his wife. His new wife, Heather Hindi, who was one of his fellow officers, also testified on the stand. THE WOMEN NEVER DID MEET. Chavez of course denies the incident. ABOUT A MONTH AFTER THAT LEVI BOUGHT HER A DIAMOND RING. July 31, 2015 - Former APD officer Levi Chavez has been admitted to the UNM Law School. After the two reviewed numerous pages of Verizon records showing calls made to and from both Teras and Levis cellphones, as well as cellphone tower records, Serna declared that the records supported his clients story about where he had been the weekend of Teras death. Im innocent. THE TEXTS DIDN'T STOP THERE ANOTHER, ABOUT A MONTH LATER, FROM HEATHER TO LEVI SAYING HE WAS HER REASON TO EXIST. Levi was engaged to Heather Hindi two months after Tera died and married a few months later, according to PEOPLE. The records show roughly the same pattern for Oct. 20: Levi Chavezs cellphone was on the West Side during the hours of the swing shift, then in the Heights shortly thereafter. That wouldve been after she moved out of the home she shared with Steve Hindi, according to her testimony. The Levi Chavez verdict came after a five-week trial and a six-year investigation that put the 32-year-old former police officer on trial for the October 2007 shooting death of his wife in their home near Los Lunas, New Mexico. Where is he today? 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. A Comprehensive Review of Edubirdies Academic Writing Service. Prosecutors had sought to keep from jurors what Serna described in explicit detail as sexual photographs and videos Tera had taken of herself and sent to Levi. According to several local coverages, the news of his admission to the university inspired mixed reactions from alumni and other students. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. BUT HEATHER INSISTS THE WOMEN NEVER SPOKE. Chavezs bio states that hes the emergency housing director at the Westside Emergency Housing Center. I knew Id be acquitted. Indeed, the records appeared to show that Levi Chavezs cellphone was in Valencia County early on Oct. 19 and that he was on Albuquerques West Side, where he was working a swing shift for APD, later that day. 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. 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, according to Cinemaholic. The pair met when they were just teenagers starting high school, and soon, they got into a serious relationship. For weeks, the murder trial captivated parts of central New Mexico as residents were fixated in barber shops, diners and grocery stores. 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. Over the next several months, detectives began digging into Levi Chavezs story and the investigation eventually deemed her death a homicide. The former police officer, graduating with a law degree, serves in a non-profit company known as Heading Home and assists the organization in its fight against homelessness in Albuquerque, New Mexico. 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. 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 . Audrina Patridge Niece: What Happened To Sadie Raine Loza? Some extra notes, quotes, news and notes from the Lobos Friday night basketball game in Fort Collins, Colorado. [1] [2] Levi was initially charged with murdering his wife with his police issued Glock and making it appear as a suicide. Strict, but in a good way, he said. "I'm going to go to church, pray my Rosary and thank my Virgin Mary," Chavez said as he was crowded by reporters. Levi Chavez alleged malicious prosecution, malicious abuse of process, defamation, and outrageous conduct, according to court documents. They married in July 2008, just a few days after Hindis divorce from another Albuquerque police officer was finalized. 'He took one more breath and that's it': Mother describes Ex-marine father murdered wife and 17-month-old son before Pennsylvania woman gets life for stabbing her fianc to Isabel Oakeshott receives 'menacing' message from Matt Hancock, Dozens stuck in car park as staff refuses to open gate for woman, Incredible footage of Ukrainian soldiers fighting Russians in Bakhmut, Pro-Ukrainian drone lands on Russian spy planes exposing location, 'Buster is next!' Check arrest records, resumes and CV, photos and videos, news, social media profiles, publications, places of employment, work history and public records . In all likelihood, Chavezs cellphone was turned off between 12:27 a.m. and 3:32 p.m. on Oct. 21, 2007, said Jody Citizen, a senior analyst for the Verizon Wireless companys legal department. Powered by. 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. The case made national headlines in 2013 as more details came to light about the case and about Levi Chavez' personal life. BERNALILLOTwenty-four days after Levi Chavez called 911 to say his wife had shot herself in the head, a text message popped up on his cellphone suggesting that a new marriage wasn't far off.. 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. The former officer, clenching a Rosary, immediately embraced his attorney, David Serna. 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. Klicken Sie auf Alle ablehnen, wenn Sie nicht mchten, dass wir und unsere Partner Cookies und personenbezogene Daten fr diese zustzlichen Zwecke verwenden. Read a reflection on the importance of community partners from our WEHC Emergency Housing Director Levi Chavez. Chavez still faces a wrongful death lawsuit from the family of Tera Chavez. She grew up in Los Lunas, a small village south of Alburquerque. We always thought, Hell take care of her.'. 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. . Valencia County sheriffs initially ruled the death as a suicide due to the "close proximity of the gun to the body. LIVE IN SANDOVAL COUNTY LZ KOAT ACTION 7 NEWS.. COUNT ON KOAT-DOT-COM FOR. Levi Chavez was acquitted in that case, but many people are raising concerns about whether his presence in the next class of law students . Based on the information provided on their website, Levi is now serving as the Emergency Housing Director at their Westside Emergency Housing Center. After gaining back his freedom, Levi Chavez decided that he wanted to change his career but still be in the justice system. Detective Jones, who suspected that Levi Chavez had murdered his wife eighteen to twenty hours before he . Emergency Housing Director, Westside Emergency Housing Center. Her husband Levi is suspected soon after because of suspicious circumstantial evidence, but there is no confession, eyewitness or 'smoking gun' forensic evidence. In August 2013, Chavez was acquitted of the murder charges. or debate this issue live on our message boards. Witnesses also described a workplace where interoffice romance was rampant and said both Levi and Tera Chavez had affairs with members of the police force. Through witness testimony, the public learned that Chavez had been having a number of affairs while married to Tera Chavez. Freed: Levi Chavez, right, a former Albuquerque police officer, gets a hug from his wife Heather Chavez after being acquitted of his first wife's murder, Relief: Chavez hugs his attorney David Serna in Sandoval District Court in Bernalillo, New Mexico on Tuesday. The murder trial of Chavezs wife lasted over two years, according to KOAT. Do not sell or share my personal information. The lawsuit against Jones was dismissed in 2018. 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. He also told her she should have more information., I listened, Heather Chavez said about the interview. No comments have so far been submitted. [1] She loved strong., READ NEXT: Social Media Influencer Set on Fire & Killed by Ex-Husband, Family Says, Tera Chavezs Death: Levi Chavez Was Charged With Murdering His Wife, Please review our privacy policy here: https://heavy.com/privacy-policy/, Copyright 2023 Heavy, Inc. All rights reserved. By abqjournal. 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. 'There never was a case against Levi Chavez,'Serna said. 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. 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. 'I don't feel like speaking for his future.'. A A. Levi Chavez, an ex-New Mexico police officer, was acquitted Tuesday in the 2007 murder of his estranged wife, but could still face a wrongful death civil lawsuit. It appears that his wife, now known as Heather Chavez, is a detective with the Farmington Police Department. 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. During his testimony last week, Chavez frequently broke down and had to take breaks when he recounted his ill treatment of his late wife throughout their marriage. 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. Serna told Chavez. Fashionuer.com participates in many affiliate marketing programs & sponsored content which means we get paid commissions on products purchased through our links to retail websites. The lawsuit against Jones was dismissed in 2018. On July 5, 2008, half of the desire she expressed in the text came true. End of November, end of November, December BUT IT WAS EVEN EARLIER THAN THAT-- JUST THREE WEEKS AFTER LEVI'S WIFE TERA DIED HINDI SENT HIM A TEXT READING "MMM DETECTIVE CHAVEZ WITH HOMICIDE." News of his admittance to the university was met with some concern from alumni and other students, New Mexico PBS reported. 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. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. 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. "There never was a case against Levi Chavez," Serna said. Under the name Heading Home, this organization has connections in New Mexico, according to its website. Levi Chavez is a former police officer in Albuquerque, New Mexico, who was charged with the 2007 death of his 26-year-old wife, Tera Chavez. or debate this issue live on our message boards. 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. I didnt do anything wrong.. A summary is at Levi Chavez, Ex-Police Officer, Not Guilty Of Murdering Wife. Homeowner finds gruesome animal skeleton hidden behind cupboard for 30 years - so can you guess what it is? Not among them was APD officer Steve Hindi, to whom Heather was married at the time. detailing just how quickly their relationship developed once tera chavez died. They also werent allowed to watch video of that deposition. Following a couple of years of preparation, he applied to be a lawyer and was accepted into the University of New Mexico Law School, entering class of 2016, where he apparently specialized in criminal law. / CBS News. Levi Chavez and Tera Chavez. The Officer's Wife When police officer Levi Chavez finds his wife, Tera, shot to death in their home, an investigation into her murder begins as buried secrets are revealed. Chavez called 911 to report the alleged suicide around 9 p.m. on Oct. 21, 2007. Her mother said she wants the kids to know, Shed never leave them. According to their website, Levi holds the title of Emergency Housing Director at their Westside Emergency Housing Center. Heather Chavez also testified that she never met or spoke to Tera Chavez. Some of the evidence in the civil case, like testimony from an insurance investigator about the fake theft allegations, was barred in murder trial. Subscribe now to access decluttered news, chosen by you. Powered by. While there isn't an official wife, the second of Hugo Chavez's four children, 29 year-old Maria Gabriela, plays the role of First Lady of the . BERNALILLOTwenty-four days after Levi Chavez called 911 to say his wife had shot herself in the head, a text message popped up on his cellphone suggesting that a new marriage wasnt far off. webvtt in day 14 of the levi chavez trial, his current wife, a-p-d officer heather chavez takes the stand. Levi Chavez has full custody of his two children, according to Teras parents Joseph and Theresa Cordova, Alibi reported. 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 donut shop has announced it has closed its South Valley and Northeast Heights locations. Bernalillo County deputy involved in rollover crash in Northeast Albuquerque, Where does medical cannabis go from here? In court today, she said the calls were work related, and Keener did not press her for specifics. 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. "Please tell them to hurry!" the 26-year-old can be heard saying. However, nearly four years after Tera took her last breath, Levi was charged with first-degree premeditated murder and tampering with evidence. Levi was initially charged with murdering his wife with his police issued Glock and making it appear as a suicide. Jorge was born on August 28, 1961 in Santiago Atitlan, Guatemala. She was my secret-bank. John Fetterman Wife: Who Is Gisele Barreto Fetterman. The upcoming episode of Dateline Unforgettable will premiere at 8.00 pm ET on Tuesday, June 14, 2022. 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. The entire world around Levi Chavez came trembling down when one fine October morning in 2007, he returned to his New Mexico home to find his wife Tera Chavez dead after taking a bullet to the 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. 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. I didnt answer the call, Heather Chavez said. The Officer's Wife Dateline NBC True Crime Requires subscription and macOS 11.4 or higher When police officer Levi Chavez finds his wife, Tera, shot to death in their home, an investigation into her murder begins as buried secrets are revealed. Serna told Chavez. Their additional three locations remain open. 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. 2013 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. In 2018, the case was dismissed due to missing information and incorrect information that was cited as reasons to dismiss the case. He is suing the detective who first launched the investigation into the 2007 death of Levi's wife, Tera Chavez. 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. Yet, with no proof of the former, he couldnt be charged or arrested for fraud. "What did I tell you?" I didnt speak with her.. Asked if he would try to get his old job back with the Albuquerque Police Department, Chavez blurted out a date but declined to say what that date meant. KRQE News 13 has learned former Albuquerque Police officer Levi Chavez, who was fired after he was charged with the murder of his wife, could soon be working closely with the city as part of a non- That treatment included sexual relationships with four different women and constant breakups that began with way back when the couple were high school students. Levi has undergraduate degrees from UNM and CNM, as well as a law degree from the UNM School of Law. 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. Payton Gendron: Why Payton Gendron Got Arrested? Please review our privacy policy here: https://heavy.com/privacy-policy/, Copyright 2023 Heavy, Inc. All rights reserved. Current CACU detective, and Levi's wife, Heather Chavez, was married to another officer in 2007. Levi was born on October 9, 1925 in Ojo Feliz, New Mexico to Jose and Hilaria Chavez. New Mexico and ABQ News, Sports, Business and more, By Jeff Proctor / Journal Staff Writer 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 . rules the death self-inflicted The medical examiner ruled Tera's death a suicide. They allege the former officer killed his wife to keep her from disclosing an alleged staged theft of a truck for insurance money. She loved hard. (AP) 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. In 2000, they tied the knot and moved to Virginia, where Levi was working as a Coast Guard. Jones showed Heather Chavez crime scene photos from Teras death scene and told her people were worried about her. 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. Episode Website More Episodes 2019 NBC News Top Podcasts In True Crime See All Breaking News: Levi Chavez found NOT GUILTY of all charges in the death of Tera Chavez in 2007. Levi and Tera Chavez were high school sweethearts who married young and were raising two children together. Im innocent. Wenn Sie Ihre Auswahl anpassen mchten, klicken Sie auf Datenschutzeinstellungen verwalten.