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HOUSTON – A man accused of murdering his wife in northwest Houston is scheduled to appear before a judge on Monday after being granted a $250,000 bond.
Authorities allege that Chance Chavez fatally attacked his wife, Kristen Chavez, by striking her multiple times with an iron.
Public Outcry Over Bond Amount
Chavez remains in custody, but concerns have been raised that he might secure release before trial. This fear has led to an online petition urging the court to increase his bond and impose the maximum sentence. More than 8,000 people have signed the petition so far.
During a probable cause hearing last week, prosecutors requested a $500,000 bond, but the magistrate reduced it to $250,000. Chavez did not attend the hearing in person.
Conditions of Bond
If released, Chavez must adhere to strict conditions:
- No contact with household members or Kristen’s family.
- No possession of firearms, ammunition, or weapons.
- Mandatory random drug and alcohol testing.
- Prohibited from using or possessing alcohol or drugs.
- Electronic monitoring, house arrest, and a court-imposed curfew.
Victim’s Family Demands Justice
Kristen’s mother, Laura Bell, emphasized the family’s demand for justice:
“We hope he stays in jail throughout the trial and is held accountable for his actions.”
Incident Details
On Wednesday at 7:30 a.m., Houston police responded to a suspicious activity call at a residence on the 5100 block of Emma Forest Street.
Upon arrival, officers found Chance Chavez standing in the doorway with his hands raised. He had blood on his arms, legs, and clothing. Officers detained him and searched the home. Inside a bedroom, they discovered Kristen Chavez, 32, unresponsive. She had suffered blunt force trauma and was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.
Chavez was arrested and booked into the Harris County Jail.
Remembering Kristen
Kristen’s family described her as a dedicated paralegal who aspired to become an attorney. They remember her as a strong, compassionate woman with unwavering integrity.
“She was the voice of reason, determined yet kind-hearted,” said Bell.
Kristen’s sister, Cervantes, shared her grief:
“She was my rock, my best friend. She had a passion for helping others.”
Bell added: “She had an incredible ability to connect with people. She could light up a room just by walking in.”
Source Information
This article is based on court records, reports from Houston police, and news coverage from FOX 26 and others, along with interviews with Kristen Chavez’s family.
