CLOVIS, N.M. – District Attorney Quentin Ray announced today that Christopher Gipson, age 42, of Ohio, has been sentenced to 29 years in the New Mexico Department of Corrections following his guilty plea to charges arising from a violent robbery that occurred in Clovis earlier this year.
On March 19, 2025, officers from the Clovis Police Department were dispatched to 3018 N. Prince Street in Clovis for an incomplete 911 call. Upon arrival, officers noticed that the business—a Chinese massage parlor—had its lights off and windows covered. When no one responded to their knocks, officers heard noises coming from inside and made a forced entry.
Inside, they discovered a female victim wrapped in a towel and covered in blood. She had sustained a major laceration on the top of her head and was rushed to Plains Regional Medical Center, where medical personnel determined she had suffered a skull fracture from being struck with a machete.
Although Gipson had attempted to destroy the business’s security camera, investigators were able to recover footage showing Gipson using the machete to damage the video system. Approximately $100 was stolen from the business. Gipson was arrested the following day after a short foot chase involving New Mexico State Police and Curry County Sheriff’s Office.
Judge Fred Van Soelen sentenced Gipson to 29 years in the New Mexico Department of Corrections. Judge Van Soelen stated, “While the plea agreement sentence was steep, it was well deserved.”
Special Prosecutor Brett Carter added, “This Defendant has shown no remorse for his actions and will have to serve at least 23 years before being eligible for release on parole.”
Gipson, a resident of Ohio, was in Clovis for work with 3 Brother’s Torching, an Ohio-based company contracted to perform work on wind turbines north of Clovis.
District Attorney Quentin Ray commended law enforcement’s response, stating, “The officers of the Clovis Police Department and the assisting agencies went above and beyond in their response and investigation. Their swift actions ensured this dangerous individual was captured and held accountable.”
Special Prosecutor Brett Carter and Anthony Jaimes represented the State. Gipson was represented by Raymond Conley of the Law Office of the Public Defender.
For more information, please contact the District Attorney’s Office at (575) 769-2246.