Tera Chavez died in October of 2007. By May of 2008, the Valencia County Coroner had determined that Chavez's death was not a suicide. Last week the Tera Chavez estate had their first hearing in their wrongful death suit against Officer and Pound Cage-mucker Levi Chavez.
The wrongful death suit makes a number of allegations against Chavez chief among them that he's responsible for the death of his wife. The Albuquerque Police Department is also named in the suit for condoning extra marital affairs and for allowing officers to wreck a crime scene.
Office fraternization is never a good idea and managers in both the public and private sectors struggle to minimize it in the workplace. We'll defer to the judge when it comes to APD's responsibility, but affairs, adultery, and accusations of more serious sexual misconduct are yet another one of the problems that The 5th Floor refuses to deal with or acknowledge.
The most concerning aspect of this whole affair as far as APD's involvement is concerned is the inability of trained APD officers to recognize a potential crime scene and know not to screw it up. Valencia County isn't known for its investigative prowess and we all know that the DA down there has more than a issues, but Chief Schultz and everyone at APD would be screaming if 9 officers from another agency trampled around in a potential crime scene in their jurisdiction. Was the activity simply stupid or perhaps intentional?
For now, the Chavez estate is exercising the only option that it has in their quest to finally see justice done. So far, the criminal system has failed them starting with the first officers on the scene - officers who should have never been there.
74 comments:
I can't believe that trained APD officers would not be aware that they should not have showed up to a potential crime scene in another jurisdiction unless they too had some involvement in the whole ordeal. As for their excuse that they were there helping out a fellow officer in his time of need. BALONEY - he hadn't been a cop that long for such strong bonds to be formed. Perhaps, Tera was just about to spill the beans on a bunch of corrupt cops, so they owed it to Levi to help him destroy any evidence that would prove it was a murder and not a suicide. If that isn't the case, they are a poor excuse of a cop. Further, why would Chief Schultz keep him on for that reason alone. Perhaps, Levi has some of that extramarital affair information on the top brass. Who would want that coming out. I forget, he was too busy persecuting the cop who told the truth at the Al Unser trial.
Please Mayor Berry, fire Ray Schultz and replace him with Alan Banks.
What’s one more scandal on APD? Cops have been having adulterous affairs as long as I can remember. This department doesn’t care, it starts at the top. How many chiefs’, captains and sergeants and officers have been caught dipping their wick? Boy!! I tell you the longer I am on APD the more I see how dishonest cops are and the lack of INTEGRIRTY is insane. I thought being a cop was all about Integrity and honesty. Not on this department that’s for sure.
Why did Berry keep Schultz knowing Schultz OKed this? What's the real deal with Berry?! Do they have shit on him? Is anyone in this town honest??!!
I heard that they were looking at going after those officers that went to the scene, and charging them with Tampering with evidence?
This is just the opening of the can of worms. Heather shouldn't have married Levi so quickly after divorcing Steve. However, Steve, we all know should be a poster face of marital affairs. He cheated on Heather with a "neighbor" for years and with a woman from Metro Court for 2 years. So maybe Steve drove Heather into Levi's arms (not the best choice). Looks like all the dirty laundry of 34s are about to be spilled, are we all ready for it???? Looks like I'll see who's hiring, it's only gonna get worse.
Heard Steve's girlfriend is breaking up with him, hmm, good timing on her part. She's hot...Steve your nuts to let her go. Better for her don't want her to end up like Tera. Hey Steve, so can I get her number???
Gosh!!!!! Who in their right mind that has gone through a police academy does not have the common sense to stay out of a crime scene!
What were these officers thinking! They should all be sent back to the academy for re-training on crime scenes.
Who would be stupid enough to do such a thing?
Is it just me or has anyone noticed the unbelievable similarity between the Levi Chavez case and the case in Denton TX that was just shown on Dateline last week. This cop "Bobby" had a ton of lovers and his wife ends up dead in her bed of a "suicide" ...there was life insurance involved and a cop lover. First time thru they failed to procecute. second time, because of the determination of a local reporter...he is convicted of murder. http://bit.ly/bARY61
Levi Chavez is a killer, and APD can't even fire him, They can always give him backpay later if it turns out his beautician wife shot herself in the face.
Levi must be a great lover. I heard he was doing the Chief . I must be missing out. I'm going to go down to the pound and get me some
there is so much cheating going on it would be eaiser to track who's not cheating...ring, ring, barboa, get the message??
well we'll just sweep this one under the carpet as well
Wow you really like to slander don't you, stick to the story and don't add any of your BS. You have a very small brain for now just sit on it.
Sounds like the Costales theory is still alive and well. The shadows will keep lingering through the halls of the city.
I strongly urge you.."eye"..to please cite and verify names of the nine officers that were out there that night....you cant..youre info is incorrect and absurd...shame on you for using this tragedy to stab at the Dept you hate so much(APD). VCSO is a corrupt organization that continues to lie to the press and the public..If they had any charges they would bring them,,,They dont.The real issue here is how many wives must commit suicide before APD handles this..everyone knows they are praying they continue to cover up the other incidents...the public would shit...stick to the point eye
heres a solution since integrity is down and morale is at an all time low...make everyone get divorced and no dating allowed, from the Chief to new guys...problem solved. Man can you imagine the orgy!! haha, only difference there wont be a scandal and no more wives committing suicide. Man something has to change to get the integrity and morale back up, come on Chief and Mayor that is why we picked changed or thought we did. New procedures and SOP's for APD.
Recall RJ Berry and Barry Obama. Neither one of them has kept a single campaign promise.
One of the main officers that contaminated the possible murder scene was Lt O'Connel who is now testing for Commander. I can't think of a worse choice for APD Commander while he is in the middle of this major lawsuit.
He really hung APD out to dry on this. The guy is a Lt and should have known better than to go into a crime scene, especially involving an Officer's wife. What a bonehead.
I can't see anyone in their right mind promoting him now. Talk about liability issues.
The "crime scene" was nonexistant when the APD officers showed up. The VCSD had already deemed the scene a suicide. Later on, a Detective from VCSO began digging deeper than the initial investigation did and he thought the suicide scenario did not look right and that further investigation was warranted.
anyone but Alan Banks. He's a very sketchy person!!! please dont do that!!! would much rather keep Chief Schultz....
The whole thing is disgusting. Tera Chavez is not the first wife to "commit suicide" surrounding infidelity. How about Worley and Ayala. What a big mess.
That sounds about right - promote the bad cop and railroad the good cops. DISGUSTING!!!
This department is a F---ing joke. We have no leadership and the so called leaders we do have are dishonest and have no INTEGRITY. What an embarrassment. No wonder why we have scandal after scandal.
Now Sandy Rue will come up with a bill to require all law enforcement to have training on crime scenes too.
barboa: cheater and liar.
taught his team well
they all lie
barboa, you time is near.
S.HINDI HAS A GIRLFRIEND, WHICH ONE?
As spouse of an APD officer, I've met S.Hindi and the girlfried of S.Hindi H.Chavez-Hindi and L.Chavez, the all of these people seem very nice. Too bad this situation is open to the public. Seems like this is an example that needs to be set to prevent future mishaps of all APD officer's and their families. I just hope the best for all of them and their families.
Now listening to what has happened at the scene, it appears O'Connel made a decision based on the information at the time which was not looked at as a crime. So he and the others just helped out another officer. It was in good faith, no evil intent at all.
O'connel is a smart Lt who I am sure has learned a lot from this incident and as a result would make a good commander. He'll be fine!
to any of the victims families from the west mesa buriel site. heres a little hint for you. obtain criminal complants on all of the victims from all arrest going back to the late 90s. apd will have some explaining to do. that one 34 is not untouchable and should not be in VCU or impact.
Not long ago there was an APD Sergeant that used to hit on all the domestic violence victims, especially officers’ wives. He used to wine and dine them and tell them how to screw the officers out of their PERA retirement. This department is full of cheating officers and I though being a cop was all about integrity.
Who was that sergeant
It blows my mind how the chief can terminate some officers and not terminate the officers that have been charged with a felony??????? I guess some are just more special than others :)
you know what, heather and levi made it public. They are the ones that flaunted their affair. KARMA is a bitch isnt it. Heather thinks she is untouchable and the best thing around. Give me a break, she must have gone to the nadine hamby school of whorism
To Feb 1 2010 9:13
Who says it was a suicide. I believe it has now been ruled a murder. I wonder if the other wives you mentioned might have suspicious circumstances surrounding their deaths. There are cops out there that know what Tera knew - she was probably ready to spill the beans on a bunch of corrupt cops. Why else would a trained Lt show up at the scene knowing their were marital problems. Clear your conscious and tell what you know, so that family can get their grandchildren away from a possible murderer.
Let's not leave out that wheeler guy. he tried justifying it by saying "oh there were over a hundred affairs at the time." what a moron. go back to los lunas.
that sergeant sounds exactly like louie armijo!!!
"to any of the victims families from the west mesa buriel site. heres a little hint for you. obtain criminal complants on all of the victims from all arrest going back to the late 90s. apd will have some explaining to do. that one 34 is not untouchable and should not be in VCU or impact.
February 2, 2010 12:32:00 PM MST"
To whoever posted this. YOU are just as guilty if you know something about this. That is the problem with a lot of the 34s. They know something but say nothing about it except behind an anonymous blog. Man up, grow a pair, do what you swore to do and protect the public already. I don't know how any of you look yourself in the mirror everyday and are ok with your decisions when it comes to the secrets you all know.
Even when someone dies at home the scene is restricted just like a crime scene, so there is no excuse for the APD cops contaminating it.
man this blog is just let everything out in the air, doesnt matter which 34.........Hindi and Cleo or Hindi and Val or Hindi and Diane? Or Hindi and some other chick, who is the girl he is seen with on the weekend? A new gal?? She should watch out. Man..great example brass...wow. hindi is a rehire shouldnt he be an example for the rookies of what NOT to be. Geez hindi who is the flavor of this month?
What are you saying that a 34 killed all the west mesa victims? that's plausible but you better share your info or you will be charged as an accessory.....
Tera's death aside I was told by Detective Aaron Jones that they already had issues with Mr. Chavez on insurance fraud which is a FELONY and he still remained on APD payroll.
To the above commet YES I think it sounds VERY similar to the Denton case. Karma Levi, Karma.
corruption starts from the top cop...you know that chief shultz. you have ur hand in all IA cases the department has and you have since you were Deputy Chief..you al will rot in HELL for your crimes. I hope the Tera estate and family bankrupty this city and this department gets the national recognition it deserves as a pothetic place to work or live. As for the 9 officers they do exist and are named in the case against Levi. Lets not forget the Bunny house known as the Communications center where their motto is you had me at "your badge" lets go to the parking lot or for some in the bathroom. Its a damn disgrace to be known as an Albuquerque police department employee. you all are sick idiots. Former and past. You all know who you are! Maggots!
Mayor Berry! Ice berg straight ahead!!
anyone remember former 34 greg jordan, and former Lt. at MDC (formally BCDC) Connections to the WS MYSTERY? Hello people!
Hey Fowler! How is Richard smith' wife?
Lets not forget the Bunny house known as the Communications center where their motto is you had me at "your badge" lets go to the parking lot or for some in the bathroom. Its a damn disgrace to be known as an Albuquerque police department employee. you all are sick idiots. Former and past. You all know who you are! Maggots!
February 3, 2010 2:31:00 PM MST
This statement is not untrue or made up. There are some straight up tramps that work there. The Wives/Girlfriends of APD, and a couple AFD should show up to work unannounced a couple times of year and find out for yourself what your "Heroes" are doing with the tramps known as "Call takers", and "DP's"!
It's not the iceberg dead ahead, it's the one that broadsides your ship................
Bunny House. Try horse barn. Thats why they use the parking lot. Its dark.
O'Connell is a great cop!
Fowler and Susan - didn't they both go to Sandia High School. Maybe he's just an old friend!
This is not news. The number of unfaithful cops is sad. What's even more sad are the wives/girlfriends or husbands/boyfriends that have no idea and eventually are pushed to extremes... murder or suicide. We can find it at the top, or among our youngest (psa's). Even the ones in positions where they claim to have other officers best interests in mind (APOA president, vice president)... will it ever stop?
In the Levi (murderer) case, Ray Schultz, Lt. Shawn O'Connell, Sgt. Ron Chavez, Sgt. James Silver, are named as defendants but who are the John Does 1-3 and 4-6?????
If you read the OPEN court documents on NMcourts.com you can see the names of the other officers being interviewed. FYI for all of you looking to see who the other officers are.
Civilian's--don't go on a ride a long more than once with a 34, or you are branded for life.---as a home wrecker.
This is nothing new for New Mexico, or for APD. I am not a cop, however, I am a concerned voter of this town. This crap has been going on way to long...It is time for someone to stand up, and make this department accountable for their actions...I think everyone should be aware of the Kaitlyn Arquette case from '89', that is still unsolved. These police think they can get away with pretty much anything...and up to now, they have been right. And the chief, and the mayor....they're a joke. I was hoping that Berry was going to have a spine, and stand up to corruption, but Im starting to think thats a joke also. It bothers me to think that my children are supposed to "trust" police officers, and goto them if they ever need help or are in trouble....these guys are just as bad as the crooks in this town. I dont know how they can look at themselves, much less sleep at night.
Your exactly right. Make sure to tell your kids not to trust the police. Then teach them to call someone else when they need help. Great New Mexico parenting at its best.
Horse barn is an understatement. The Biggest Loser show would have it's pick of contestants in dispatch. Marlyn W and Sgt Brown were a hot item for years even after the wife busted them. NOBODY would take her out in the daylight...and Brown wasn't the ONLY one..It's hilarious that she is suing the city for sexual harrasment against a former supervisor..HER!! Sexual harrasment..hahahaha If the truth be known that supervisor probably turned her down.
Since when did "reality blogging" become the in thing at APD? I'm embarassed you don't have something better to do, or somewhere else to air this. Thanks to those who do their jobs instead of worrying about this crap!
The ABQJ hit it on the nose Friday Feb. 5, 2010 Editorials page A-8.
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS.
Now the APD Bunny Ranch where officers lie for a FUCK.
The biggest of the bunny ranch Cleova S. Who is she doing these days?? Actually how many other married guys and gals is she doing? haha.
WHO IS THE GIRL THAT LIVES WITH HINDI?
Anonymous said...
WHO IS THE GIRL THAT LIVES WITH HINDI?
February 16, 2010 9:19:00 AM MST
Her Indian name is...."She who should check herself into an AA meeting."
so the city health office must be busy cuz clamydia spreads like wild fire. so if you have a mysterious itch down there and you can't figure out why cuz you are clean and dont' mess around, then you better get your man down to the clinic. ladies too. if you let them dip their sticks, you might want to get the canyon inspected.
i'm not sayin, i'm just sayin.
HINDI IS A LOSER, WE ALL KNOW WHY HE PULLS OVER YOUNG GIRLS AND HAS HIS FEMALE COMPANIONS. APD SHOULD FIRE HIM ALREADY OR GET RID OF THE REHIRES, IT WOULD SAVE THE CITY LOTS OF MONEY
hindi s a huge liability! i dont know how he even good rehired with his background!
I think the city should rehire Marty. Every decent city needs a midget running around!
These are days of Hindi's life....
Who cares about the massive sex scandal - think of Tera and her family -this poor girl never even got a chance to live a full life. Was that stupid Chavez related to the ex-mayor (CHAVEZ?) Someone needs to clean house and FAST! I hope this makes national news - that's the only way this corruption is going to get resolved.
FAST
CLEO MAYBE WITH WHOM EVER IS TRYING TO GET HER IN AS A 34 WITH APD. ITS ALL A JOKE AROUND APD TOP TO BOTTOM. THE MOTTO THERE "LETS SHIT ON EVERYONE"!
Does Hindi have the STD being spread? Lock up your daughters, wives, girlfriends, mistresses. Heard that is why his now ex is leaving him, she caught him cheating. Geez, what else is new.
I hear Heather Hindi-chavez has Herpes from her former husband. Good!.... That means Levi is spreading the goodies to all you APD low-life's!
How about we get back to the facts here. All that happens is attention gets deflects from the real problem. An APD officer, who is still on the pay roll, that murdered his wife. According to the Lawsuit there was another person that was seen driving Levi away from the house he shared with Tera.
Anyone know the name of the officer that Levi use to log out on 74's with? We know that Levi conducted a majority of his affairs during this time. Wouldn't that officer then be falsifying information as well? There was a girl Levi use to go see up on St Josephs what was her name...Heather Hooper? If this officer was willing to lie for Levi how much more was he willing to do?
What about his Sergeant at the time? Shouldn't some questions be asked if a 34 is logged out on a 74 for three hours and only 2 cites are turned in? Shouldn't he as the supervisor have started to look into things?
Affairs happen no matter what when you have men and women working together. The problem is when 34s don't have to account for their time to anyone. Shouldn't Sergeants be out checking on what their 34s are doing? If Dxxx has been logged out on a call for 50 minutes and its a simple 24 or 25 call that sergeant should be driving to where that 34 is to check to see what they are doing.
The issue is a young mother was murdered. For 3 years the murderer has walked around the streets scott free while the citizens of Albuquerque pay his wage. Its very irresponsible of you, "The Eye" to continue to let these topics go off on tangents that have no bearing on the topic at hand.
I agree!!!
Seems to me that everyone is forgetting that this couple was notorious for swinging, cheating....infidelity in other words, wasn't a surprise. Whats odd to me is everyone has hung the husband out to dry while the wife (whom I will add was ALSO having extra marital affairs with married men) was doing the same. It isn't news that they had a troubled relationship....and lets all be honest here, cops are also netorious for cheating. Surprised? Why.....it happens everyday. The "crime scene" was considered a suicide by VCSD and cleared. This gave the APD support team the "OK" to wonder about. The Lt who stated various times that he has experienced suicide in his own family and wanted to straighten up to keep the family (whom would return to the home) from being traumitized more than they already had. Indeed anyone whos been through the academy, or watched the ID Channel, knows never ever contaminate a crime scene when it is considered a crime scene.
A detective (with a chip on his shoulder for APD) pushed this apparent suicide into a murder investigation with coerced witnesses, leading and persuading people to come forward to state all this couples dirty laundry. One thing is clear VCSD had WAY too much time on their hands. The OMI ruled this a suicide. Now it's up to a jury panel to decide if the evidence will prove beyond reasonable doubt that the former APD officer killed his wife or in the alternative that his wife actually did kill herself.
So ABQJournal reported that the judge in Levi's trial ordered the media to stop showing Levi's doodles of Our Lady of Guadalupe. LOL! When I took A&P -- years ago, one of the students commented, "I will never again be able to look at a depiction of Our Lady of Guadalupe and NOT see female genitalia." So was the judge concerned Levi's doodles would have a positive or negative connotation?
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