Sheriff says El Paso man accused of killing girl already faces assault charges

EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — Before an El Paso man allegedly stabbed his girlfriend to death, police documents reveal at least one alleged incident in which he beat her.

According to a recently obtained police report, on August 11, 2024, 30-year-old Jorge Albert Chavez – who is currently facing murder charges for allegedly killing his girlfriend Dafne Michelle Davila, 27, on January 5 – beat her after accusing her of witchcraft.

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In a report filed by the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, Davila told deputies they were drinking at Chavez’s parents’ home near Agua Dulce when the two began arguing over “suspicions of witchcraft.”

Davila then told deputies she retreated to the bathroom to hopefully calm the situation, however, when she came out, she said Chavez confronted her about damage to the walls in the house and moved the argument outside.

Once outside, Davila told deputies that Chavez punched and kicked her in the chest before pulling her hair and locking the front door behind her left arm.

Davila then told deputies that Chavez took her car keys and drove off in his car.

Near the end of the report, deputies detail that they noticed redness and swelling on Davila’s left forearm, but not on her chest or head, and that she did not want to be examined by medical personnel.

Court documents show Chavez was ultimately arrested and charged with assault causing bodily harm to a family member on November 11, on $1,500 bail.

Court documents show Chavez was released the same day after posting bail.

Below is his photo from the event:

RELATED: The family of an El Paso woman who was stabbed to death is speaking out against domestic violence

As of Tuesday, Chavez remained in the El Paso County Jail in downtown El Paso, held on $1 million bail, because he is accused of stabbing Davila to death and fleeing to Reeves County near Pecos.

This latest photo shows a tattoo on Chavez’s neck with her name: “Dafne.”

KINT spoke to Davila’s family, who believe her murder was the culmination of a series of domestic violence incidents that plagued their relationship.

“She wasn’t ready to leave, she had many plans,” said a member of Davila’s family, adding that she wanted to go back to school and open her own beauty salon.

The family stated that they saw several incidents of domestic violence, but the relationship continued.

Davila’s mother urges women to speak out if they experience violence in a relationship.

According to her family, Davila was murdered while celebrating her birthday earlier.

RELATED: The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal stabbing in far east El Paso

Davila was murdered Sunday morning on Zinc Place in far eastern El Paso County, according to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies arrived on scene around 3:30 a.m. and found Davila seriously injured and saw Chavez leaving the scene.

Davila was taken to hospital, where unfortunately she died from her injuries.

Chavez was arrested thanks to the combined efforts of the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Reeves County Sheriff’s Office.

EPCSO’s Fugitive Apprehension Unit brought Chavez back to El Paso, where he was charged and ticketed.

After Chavez’s extradition, newly elected Sheriff Oscar Ugarte issued a statement urging border residents to seek help if they are victims of domestic violence.

Below is Ugarte’s full statement:

This tragedy reminds us of the devastating impact domestic violence has on our community. Thanks to close cooperation between our partner agencies, we were able to quickly locate and arrest the suspect. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, seek help – there are resources available to provide support and safety.

Thursday would have been her 28th birthday, according to Davila’s family.