Downey Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Murder of South Gate Woman

DOWNEY (CNS) - A Downey man who pleaded no contest to first-degree murder for killing a woman he had been dating was sentenced today to 25 years to life in state prison.

Downey Superior Court Judge Debra Cole-Hall imposed the term on Gary Anthony Chavez, 45, who pleaded no contest June 14 while he was awaiting a hearing to determine if there was enough evidence to require him to stand trial for the slaying of Alvina Jimenez, 31, of South Gate.

Chavez surrendered last Sept. 4 to police in El Paso, Texas, one day after the woman's body was discovered at his apartment in the 8200 block of Telegraph Road in Downey.

The woman died of blunt force and sharp trauma injuries, which included blows to her head and her throat being slit, according to Deputy District Attorney Frank Dunnick.

Chavez believed the victim was planning to end the relationship, the prosecutor said. In exchange for Chavez's plea to first-degree murder, the prosecution agreed to dismiss a special circumstance allegation of murder involving the infliction of torture that could have carried a potential death sentence.

From City News Service

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