The young man charged in the car crash that killed a 12-year-old girl last year is awaiting a trial scheduled for this summer.
Estevan Miguel Chavez, now 20, of Moriarty is charged with vehicular homicide, great bodily injury by vehicle, reckless driving, speeding by 36 mph or more, and not using a turn signal in the June 1, 2020, wreck. Rio Rancho Police said his car’s airbag control module indicated he was going more than 100 mph in the 45-mph zone on NM 528 near Barbara Loop in the seconds before the crash.
Chavez’s vehicle struck a car carrying a 16-year-old girl and Mezmerize Atencio, 12. Mezmerize was killed, and Chavez and the 16-year-old were taken to the hospital with severe injuries.
According to the New Mexico Courts website, Chavez’s trial is scheduled for July 6 at the Sandoval County Courthouse, part of the 13th Judicial District. He has been out of jail and ordered to live with his parents pending trial, according to court records.

Rio Rancho firefighters work among cars at the scene of a fatal wreck at NM 528 and Barbara Loop on June 1. Estevan Miguel Chavez, 19, of Moriarty has been charged in the crash. Photo by Gary Herron.