Jimmy S. Chunn, a 71-year-old resident of Causey, New Mexico, was murdered on or about July 4, 2005. The investigation into his death revealed a complex and sinister plot involving the Aryan Brotherhood, a prison-born gang.
The primary suspect in Chunn's murder is Donald Scott Taylor, also known as 'Wally,' who was a documented member of the Aryan Brotherhood.
Taylor, then 27 years old and from Rogers, New Mexico, was accused of shooting Chunn as part of a bargain to obtain anhydrous ammonia, a chemical used in the manufacture of methamphetamine. According to the federal indictment, Taylor met with Michael Thomas Brown in San Jon, New Mexico, on June 5, 2005, where Brown requested that Taylor acquire anhydrous ammonia for the benefit of the Aryan Brotherhood. The following day, Taylor agreed with William J. Watson to kill Chunn in exchange for 800 gallons of anhydrous ammonia, which Watson would provide.
The indictment detailed that Taylor's actions were part of a larger effort to advance his status within the Aryan Brotherhood and to help establish a New Mexico chapter of the gang. On July 4, 2005, Taylor shot Chunn in the head with a rifle, killing him. This act was not only a murder but also a key component in the conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine and further the interests of the Aryan Brotherhood.
William J. Watson, 42 years old at the time, was also implicated in the conspiracy. Although Watson had no known ties to the Aryan Brotherhood, he was involved in the arrangement to provide the anhydrous ammonia in exchange for Chunn's murder. Watson's role included leading undercover agents to the chemicals during the investigation and sharing information about the plan.
The investigation into Chunn's death was extensive and involved both local and federal authorities. It began shortly after the murder and converged with a broader federal investigation into the activities of the Aryan Brotherhood. Taylor was initially arrested shortly after the shooting on an unrelated probation violation, but he was later indicted for his role in Chunn's murder and other related crimes. The indictments, announced by acting U.S. Attorney Larry Gomez of New Mexico, included charges against 19 people connected to the Aryan Brotherhood, with some defendants arrested in New Mexico, Texas, and Oklahoma, while others were already in custody serving time in state prisons.
Taylor was charged with racketeering and murder, among other counts, including conspiracy to murder Chunn and conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine. The prosecution highlighted that Taylor's actions were premeditated and part of a larger scheme to benefit the Aryan Brotherhood, which included gaining entrance to and maintaining and increasing his position within the gang.
The case against Taylor and other suspects underscored the violent and organized nature of the Aryan Brotherhood's activities, particularly their involvement in drug manufacturing and the use of violence to achieve their goals. The murder of Jimmy S. Chunn served as a stark example of the gang's ruthless tactics and the extensive reach of their criminal enterprise.
