Claudia Maria Leiva, a 21-year-old woman, was tragically found dead on August 16, 2020, in Houston, Texas. She was discovered next to a dumpster in the Rose Tree Condominiums complex, and it was determined that she had been there for several days before being found. An autopsy revealed that Claudia died from a gunshot wound to the head.
The investigation into Claudia's death led to the identification of Stephen D. Chaney, a 28-year-old man, as the primary suspect.
According to police reports, Claudia had made a complaint about Chaney harassing her just a week before her death. Surveillance footage showed a man, believed to be Chaney, dragging Claudia's body from a truck into the area where she was found. Based on this evidence, Chaney was charged with murder on October 8, 2020, and a warrant was issued for his arrest.
Despite being arrested in October 2020, Chaney was later released on bail and awaited trial. However, on October 8, 2024, after the jury had been selected for his trial, Chaney removed his ankle monitor and failed to appear in court. He is currently on the run, and authorities are actively seeking his capture.
The case has drawn significant attention, and the Houston Police Department continues to urge anyone with information on Chaney's whereabouts to come forward. The investigation remains ongoing, and the search for justice for Claudia Maria Leiva continues.
