Clovis, NM – Ninth Judicial District Attorney Quentin Ray announced today that Adrian Chavez was sentenced to 30 years in the New Mexico Department of Corrections following his conviction for the murder of Kelsey Cash. A Curry County jury found Chavez guilty of Second-Degree Murder, Aggravated Burglary, and Tampering with Evidence earlier this year.
The charges stem from events that occurred on March 23, 2022, when the Major Crimes Unit (MCU) was activated to investigate the tragic killing of Kelsey Cash. During the trial, the State presented evidence that Chavez had been in a volatile, on-again-off-again relationship with Cash. Phone records confirmed Chavez placed numerous calls to Cash that night and was the last person to speak with her before her death.
Surveillance footage introduced at trial showed Chavez arriving at Cash’s apartment complex in a black Dodge Charger and fleeing the scene minutes after a 911 call was placed. Evidence revealed that Chavez forcibly entered the apartment by kicking in the door and fired 13 rounds at Cash, fatally wounding her. An eyewitness testified that the shooter was wearing a white hoodie and fled in the same black Charger seen on surveillance.
The State presented the charge of First Degree Murder to the jury, asserting that the Defendant willfully and deliberately killed Kelsey Cash by shooting her 13 times in the back. However, the Curry County jury did not find the evidence met the legal threshold for First Degree Murder and instead returned a verdict of Second Degree Murder, which carries a significantly lower penalty.
The Honorable Judge Fred Van Soelen sentenced Chavez to 30 years in the Department of Corrections. 18 years of the sentence is considered a serious violent offense, which requires the Defendant serve at least 85% of the sentence before becoming eligible for parole.
Family and friends of Kelsey Cash were present in the courtroom for sentencing, joined by members of law enforcement showing their support.
The case was prosecuted by District Attorney Quentin Ray and Assistant District Attorney Anthony Jaimes. Chavez was represented by defense attorney Dan Lindsey of Clovis, New Mexico.
“This sentence reflects the seriousness of the crime and the enduring pain caused by the loss of Kelsey Cash,” said District Attorney Ray. “We hope this verdict brings a measure of justice to her family and loved ones.”
