Court hearing for Jesse Hanes delayed a 2nd time

Jesse Hanes, the man accused of shooting and killing Hatch police Officer Jose Chavez, was expected to change his plea in court Thursday.

ABC-7’s New Mexico Mobile Newsroom has learned the court hearing was delayed a second time.

A federal grand jury indicted Hanes on car-jacking and firearm charges in August.

In October, he pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder charges.

The Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Office said Chavez was conducting a routine traffic stop on Aug. 12 when Hanes allegedly shot him.

Hanes, with two passengers in the car, sped to a rest stop where officers said he reportedly carjacked and shot a driver.

In April, Hanes requested a change of venue for his trial citing extensive media coverage, but was denied.

Chavez was a 2-year veteran of the force. He left behind a wife and two children.