Man charged with killing girlfriend
FORT SMITH — Bail was set at $500,000 Friday for a man charged with murder in his girlfriend’s death.
Ervin Eduardo NafateRuiz, 24, was charged with first-degree murder, according to a news release from Sebastian County Prosecutor Dan Shue.
Police found the body of Jessica Ann Chavez, 32, just after 6 a.m. Thursday at an apartment at 1701 Brazil Ave., according to a probable cause affidavit. Chavez had been shot once in the chest.
Witnesses said they heard shouting coming from the couple’s apartment about 5 a.m. They told police Nafate-Ruiz left the home, but returned before they heard a gunshot, according to the affidavit.
Several domestic disturbances occurred at the apartment during the past few weeks. Chavez ran from Nafate-Ruiz and sought refuge at a neighbor’s apartment during those disturbances, according to the affidavit.
Police discovered a shell casing in the bedroom, but no gun.
They found Nafate-Ruiz at a house in Poteau, Okla. The affidavit states he had blood on his hands, shorts, one of his socks and right leg.
Nafate-Ruiz will be arraigned at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, according to Shue.