Panel of DAs completes review

CLOVIS — A panel of district attorneys has completed its review of the officer-involved deadly force incident last year in Clovis but has yet to forward its recommendations to the local prosecutor.

11th Judicial District Attorney Rick Tedrow, liaison for the panel system used in reviewing such incidents statewide, said prosecutors met March 14-15th in Santa Fe to discuss two cases before them. Among those was the Oct. 8 incident in which Clovis Police officer Brent Aguilar shot Aaron Chavez to death south of the Prince Street overpass.

Aguilar told New Mexico State Police investigators he was fearful for his life during a foot pursuit that night and returned to work about a week later. Chavez swung a blade at him, he said, to which he responded with four gunshots.

Tedrow said he anticipated the panel would convey its letter as to whether charges should ensue from the incident to 9th District Attorney Andrea Reeb by Monday, but Reeb told The News on Friday it could take up to another week. Reeb hadn’t received any such letter as of Friday.

State police have twice denied requests from The News for reports on the incident, stating that “law enforcement records that reveal confidential sources, methods, information or individuals accused but not charged with a crime” are exempt from review.

On Friday spokesperson Alex Sanchez of the state’s Office of the Medical Investigator said that not all of their reports pertaining to Chavez’ death had been finalized.