Change of venue denied for man accused of killing Hatch police officer

A judge has decided the man accused of killing a Hatch police officer will not get a change of venue for his trial.

Wednesday, Lawyers for Jesse Hanes tried convincing District Judge Douglas Driggers the amount of attention the case has received in the local media will cause an unfair trial.

“We are pleased with the court’s decision, and look forward to moving forward in the prosecution of this case,” said District Attorney Mark D’Antonio.

“I was confident the court would deny the defense’s motion. While a murdered police officer is always going to get a lot of media attention – and rightfully so – we firmly believe that a fair and impartial jury composed of the people of Doña Ana County can be seated.”

Hanes is charged with first degree murder for the death of Hatch police officer Jose Chavez in August 2016.

Police say Chavez pulled over a car occupied by Hanes, James Nelson, and a hitchhiker. Authorities say Hanes shot Chavez, who died at a hospital. In October 2016, Hanes pleaded not guilty.

Hanes faces 14 charges in three pending cases in New Mexico and Ohio, including a separate murder charge.

Hanes allegedly killed Theodore Timmons of Ross County, Ohio, just weeks before the incident with Officer Chavez.

Last month, Hanes rejected a plea deal that would have spared him a possible death sentence in Ohio.

Hanes federal trial is scheduled to being August 14, 2017. His state trial is scheduled to begin September 25, 2017.