New Mexico man sentenced for forcing his way into his ex-girlfriend’s home and killing her

CLOVIS, N.M. (TCN) — A man will spend three decades in prison for forcing his way into his ex-girlfriend’s home and fatally shooting her nearly three years ago.

In a June 27 news release, Ninth Judicial District Attorney Quentin Ray said Adrian Chavez received a sentence of 30 years in the New Mexico Department of Corrections after a jury found him guilty of second-degree murder in connection with Kelsey Cash’s death. Chavez will have to serve at least 85% of the sentence before parole eligibility.

On March 23, 2022, Chavez reportedly called Cash multiple times. He and Cash had allegedly been in a “volatile, on-again, off-again relationship.” According to prosecutors, that evening, Chavez “forcibly entered” Cash’s apartment by “kicking in the door” before he fired 13 rounds at Cash, killing her.

Chavez was reportedly the last person to speak with the victim before her death. According to the district attorney’s office, a witness testified and claimed the shooter was “wearing a white hoodie and fled” in a vehicle that was captured on surveillance.

Prosecutors initially presented a charge of first-degree murder, arguing that Chavez “willfully and deliberately killed” Cash, but the jury returned a guilty verdict for second-degree murder instead.

Some of Cash’s family and friends reportedly attended the sentencing hearing.

In a statement, Ray said, “This sentence reflects the seriousness of the crime and the enduring pain caused by the loss of Kelsey Cash. We hope this verdict brings a measure of justice to her family and loved ones.”

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