Officer Chavez funeral set for Sunday,
hundreds expected

LAS CRUCES, NM  –  Hundreds of people are expected to gather on Sunday to give their final good bye’s to fallen Hatch Officer Jose Chavez.. 

Officer Chavez is expected to take his final patrol through the Village of Hatch tomorrow then proceed with his funeral in Las Cruces which is open to the public.

It’s been over a week since Chavez was shot and killed during a routine traffic stop in Hatch, New Mexico.  Authorities say that Jesse Hanes, a fugitive out of Ohio is responsible for Chavez’s murder.

While authorities continue to investigate the motives behind Hanes’ actions, his loved ones and colleagues are preparing for his final goodbye.

On Sunday, a group of regional law enforcement will gather near Hatch Valley High School for the funeral procession.  They will then lead Chavez’s body on his final patrol through the Village of Hatch, passing by the Hatch Valley Regional Public Safety Building.  From there, the motorcade will head south to Las Cruces.

Authorities are advising motorists to be cautious of temporarily closures that will occur once in Las Cruces.

The final stop for Chavez’s body will be at the pan am center.

Doors are set to open at 1 p.m., the funeral is expected to start at 3 p.m.

Those attending are expected not to bring bags, as there is a strict no bag policy.

Flowers and momentos will be accepted at a silent witness display of Officer Chavez’s police unit.

Now keep in mind if you do plan on traveling to Las Cruces for the funeral, parts of I-10 West will be closed all day.

Here’s more on the funeral: https://donaanacounty.org/content/officers-finalize-details-chavez-funeral-tribute