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Odessa's 'post-it bandit' behind bars for murder in another state

Odessa's 'post-it bandit' was known as one of the most wanted fugitives in New Mexico.
Matthew Chavez (Source: Ector County Law Enforcement Center)
Matthew Chavez and Veronica Trimble (Source: KOB-TV)

ODESSA, TX (KWES) - Odessa's 'post-it bandit' was known as one of the most wanted fugitives in New Mexico.

"Just as of late, we were able to put some pieces together and obtain probable cause for the arrest of Matthew Chavez, for three of these robberies that happened here in Odessa. Investigation revealed he was already in custody in Santa Fe, on unrelated charges," said Cpl. Steve LeSueur with The Odessa Police Department.

In a release from the U.S. Marshals eight different charges for Matthew Chavez are listed, murder, armed robbery, arson, assault with the intent to commit a violent felony, tampering with evidence, conspiracy to commit a first degree felony, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and transferring a stolen motor vehicle.

Body cam video from KOB-TV in Albuquerque shows the scene where Albuquerque police said Tyler Lackey, 24 was shot and killed. Albuquerque police believe Matthew Chavez, 25 shot and killed Lackey at a Wells Fargo ATM February 5, 2016.

Lackey was an Army medic who was recently deployed to Afghanistan.

Chavez wasn't the only suspect in the murder, Veronica Trimble, 22 was also believed to have been with Chavez.

Only two weeks after the deadly shooting, the first "post-it" robbery happened at the Game Stop on 200 Walmart Court in Odessa. The affidavit said a man, who Odessa police now believe is Chavez, handed the cashier a note saying, "I have a gun on me, I need all the money..."

Three similar robberies followed for three consecutive days. One happened at Dollar General at Off W. University Blvd. and Game Stop off E. 42nd St., both in Odessa,  each robbery involved a post-it note with similar context as the first robbery.

Odessa police said after releasing surveillance photos of the suspect they didn't get many leads. Police say that was the first sign that led them to believe the suspect wasn't from here. Police said during one of the robberies a witness said they saw a woman with the man who demanded the money.

The U.S. Marshals arrested Chavez and Trimble in March. In a release U.S. Marshals said both were arrested by an undercover deputy in Oklahoma, after being tracked down from multiple states.

Chavez remains in federal custody, it is unclear which facility he's in. Odessa police said after Chavez faces the charges in New Mexico he will be extradited to Odessa to face three counts of robbery.

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