Family says missing-person case bungled

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - The family of an Albuquerque man who disappeared a month ago in Red River has filed notice of a pending lawsuit claiming the town marshal didn't do enough to find him.

The case of Arthur Chavez, who vanished after leaving a Red River bar on June 6, already has had one consequence landing Chavez's cousin, world-champion boxer Johnny Tapia, in jail on a probation violation.

"Words can't even explain what this is like for our family," Shyla Chavez, Arthur's wife, told KRQE News 13. "Day by day it tears us apart."

Chavez claimed Red River Town Marshal Jerry Hogrefe didn't do a good job trying to find her husband. She intends to sue him and an unnamed deputy.

"People that were with Art that weekend weren't even questioned," she said.

A notice of tort claim filed by Chavez's attorney alleges Hogrefe dismissed the family's worries saying Chavez had simply run off with another woman and he would return.

Attorney Sharon Hawk told News 13 claims key evidence was ignored:

"There were multiple blood sites; there was blood on a van as well as hand prints in dust," Hawk said. "While it's my understanding that a single swab of that blood evidence was taken, it was then washed off by the deputy with hot water."

A spokesperson for the town of Red River said Hogrefe can't comment because the investigation is still active and because they don't know the specifics of the allegations yet.

Chavez said she is grateful for all those who have helped including Tapia who made a trip to Red River last weekend to help keep the search alive. Tapia remains in jail and has been charged as a habitual offender after going to Red River to assist in the search without the permission of his parole officer.

Tapia was on probation for a drug conviction.

"The concerns and complaints are not about the good people of Red River," Hawk said. "It's specifically regarding Red River law enforcement."

New Mexico State Police have since taken over the investigation. A spokesman said the Red River marshal's office did everything it could to find Chávez but had to turn the case over after exhausting its resources.

State Police also reported searching the area extensively and following all known leads without finding any sign of Chavez.