On May 16, 2020, Alexandria Chavez, a 36-year-old resident of Albuquerque, New Mexico, lost her life to gun violence. The incident occurred at the home of Junior Josue Espinal Calix, who was Chavez's close friend and is described as being like a brother to her.
The events leading to Chavez's death were detailed in court proceedings where Calix pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter.
According to the evidence presented, Calix and Chavez were spending time together at Calix's home on E. Reed Avenue, engaging in activities such as drinking Jack Daniel's whiskey, smoking marijuana, and playing video games. In a routine that Calix admitted to doing regularly, he took out his Polymer80 9mm pistol, which he believed was empty, pointed it at Chavez's head, and pulled the trigger. This fatal mistake resulted in Chavez's immediate death.
Following the shooting, Calix called 911 to report the incident. He was subsequently arrested and spent two weeks in jail before being released on bond. Throughout the legal process, Calix's defense attorney, Sebastian Norton, highlighted that Calix had since turned his life around by living substance-free, securing a job at a local pizzeria, and even working alongside the victim's younger brother.
During the court hearing, Calix expressed deep remorse for his actions, apologizing to both the victim's family and his own. He described Chavez as a great person and someone he considered a brother, stating, “I will never get another friend, another brother like him.” Calix's mother, Sonia, also testified, reinforcing the close relationship between her son and Chavez.
Calix was ultimately sentenced to five years of probation for the accidental fatal shooting of Alexandria Chavez. This sentence reflected the court's consideration of Calix's remorse, his efforts to reform, and the accidental nature of the crime.
