Texas Man Charged After Allegedly Killing Wife With Clothing Iron

Texas Man Charged After Allegedly Killing Wife With Clothing Iron

Texas Man Accused of Killing Wife With Clothing Iron, Held on $500K Bond

Houston, TX – A 34-year-old man from Texas, Chance Zane Chavez, has been charged with murder after allegedly beating his wife to death with a clothing iron, according to reports from Fox 26 Houston and ABC 13 Houston.

The incident occurred on the morning of Wednesday, March 12, at a residence located at 5126 Emma Forest Street in Houston. The Houston Police Department (HPD) confirmed the charge in an official release issued on Thursday, March 13.

Victim Found With Blunt Force Injuries

Officers responded to a suspicious event call around 7:20 a.m. Upon arriving at the scene, they found Chavez standing in the doorway with his hands raised, and his arms, legs, and clothing covered in blood.

After placing Chavez in the back of a patrol car, officers searched the home and found his wife, 32-year-old Kristen Chavez, unresponsive in a bedroom. She had suffered blunt force trauma and was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics. The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences is handling official verification of her identity.

HPD detectives R. Olive and T. Tyler are leading the investigation.

A Troubled Marriage

Family members of the victim described the relationship as deeply troubled. Kristen’s mother, Laura Bell, told Fox 26 that her daughter had remained in the marriage “hoping that things would change.” Kristen’s brother, Devin Cervantes, added that “she tried to see the good in people, even when they took advantage of her.”

Bond Increased After Public Outcry

Chavez was initially held in Harris County Jail with a $250,000 bond, but after a public petition demanding justice — which gathered more than 9,000 signatures online — the bond was increased to $500,000 on Monday, March 17.

Chavez has been formally charged with murder in the 176th State District Court and remains in custody.

The tragic loss of Kristen Chavez has left her family and community grieving. As her loved ones seek justice, the case serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers of domestic violence. The legal process will now move forward as prosecutors prepare to hold Chance Chavez accountable in court.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, help is available. Contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.

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