New Mexico Man Wanted for Failing to Report to Pretrial Services Now Charged in Double Murder

Albuquerque, NM - James Alex Chavez, 32, has been charged with two counts of murder after an investigation into a shooting incident at a 24-hour Circle K gas station.

According to the Albuquerque Journal, Chavez was loitering at a 24-hour Circle K gas station and causing problems early in the morning of Jan. 14 when the assistant manager’s brother and a friend dropped by the gas station.

The two men were helping the store manager escort Chavez off the property when, police say, Chavez pulled a gun and opened fire, killing Lopez and Ronquillo.

At the time of the shooting, Chavez was wanted for failing to report to pretrial services after he was charged with receiving or transferring a stolen motor vehicle and possession of a controlled substance in November.

Chavez was previously charged with shoplifting, trafficking a controlled substance and breaking and entering.

The unaccountable pretrial release is the result of Supreme Court guidelines orchestrated by former Chief Justice Daniels that virtually eliminates accountable pretrial release and bail.


New Mexico Bail Reform, Risk Assessments, and Pretrial Services

Chief Justice Charles Daniels
  • ZERO Accountability
  • ZERO Deterrent
  • ZERO Supervision
  • ZERO concern for victims
  • ZERO Bail…just a “pinky promise” to return
  • Bail Reform – Dangerous, Reckless, and a Taxpayer Burden

 


RELATED:

APD seeks suspect in double slaying

(Albuquerque Journal - Jan 22, 2019)

James Alex Chavez was loitering at a 24-hour Circle K gas station and causing problems early in the morning of Jan. 14 when the assistant manager’s brother and his friend dropped by.

Jesús Lopez and James Ronquillo had stopped at the store at Menaul and University NE to pick up cigarettes and visit Lopez’s brother, Joseph Romero, the assistant manager.

The two men were helping Romero escort Chavez off the property when, police say, Chavez pulled a gun and opened fire, killing Lopez and Ronquillo.

Chavez, 32, is charged with two counts of murder.

Albuquerque Police Department homicide detectives were still looking for him Tuesday evening. He’s also known as “Johnny Chavez.”

“James Chavez should be considered armed and dangerous,” APD spokesman Gilbert Gallegos said.

The deadly incident unfolded shortly before 2 a.m. on Jan. 14, right after 27-year-old Lopez had picked up Ronquillo, 24, from his job as a truck driver in the area.

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