Chavez determined no longer incompetent for trial in murder case

A Rio Rancho man charged in a February 2023 murder had been ruled incompetent to stand trial. Now, the court and New Mexico Behavioral Health Institute declared March 11 he is now competent to do so.

Matthew Chavez, 24, was arrested at Premiere Cinemas Feb. 5, 2023, after turning himself in for the murder of his girlfriend, Jordan Gallegos, 21.

Video and audio at the time show Chavez was cooperative in his arrest as police convinced him to meet them at the theater with the victim in the vehicle.

In November, Chavez was found incompetent to stand trial. According to a court order with the 13th Judicial District Court, Chavez was to be admitted to the New Mexico Behavioral Health Institute and held in a secure, locked facility for treatment under the supervision of the New Mexico Department of Health for nine months in an attempt to get him to a point he is competent for trial.

Those attempts appear to be successful as the court has agreed to move forward with proceedings. However, an exact date of the trial has not yet been revealed. Chavez will remain in custody for the time being.