Jones is the one who removed the gun from next to Teras body, and he testified at trial that he noted the magazine was unseated and that a bullet was in the firing chamber. Dash Dash World Controls, Other names that Heather uses includes Heather Ripley, Heather C Chavez, Heather C Hindi, Heather C Ripley and Heather Hindi. the 911 dispatcher asked. Mothers Against Drunk Driving honored him with an individual Heros Award for his work in preventing underage drinking in 2007. IVE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH HIM. Levi M. Chavez, II, Esq. The Gallup New Deal Art Virtual Museum has received another big boost from the National Endowment fo 'More time for sunshine.' He worked closely with community partners such as Mothers Against Drunk Drivers, and was recognized by them in 2008 for the leadership of Party Patrol; his program won the Heros award for that year. They werent told that tens of instances in which Levi Chavezs attorneys asserted his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination had been excised from the deposition. After more than 10 hours of deliberations, a jury acquitted Levi Chavez, 32, of murdering of his wife, 26-year-old Tera Chavez, in 2007 and trying to make the hairdresser's death look like a suicide. Stores across the Metro are now employing armed private security guards with limited use of force as asset protection. City of Albuquerque goes to court to shut down City says the property puts the community at risk, but owner says it's unfair to blame businesses for Albuquerque crime and homelessness, Bernalillo County deputy involved in rollover crash in Northeast Albuquerque, University of New Mexico Hospital launching health care listening tour, Support for families: Nonprofit that helps people who are homeless gets mattress donation, Where does medical cannabis go from here? The tawdry details spilled in the trial and the questions it raised about the practices of the Albuquerque Police Department have further tarnished the agency, which is under investigation by the U.S. Justice Department over a series of police shootings. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of KOAT-TV. 9,701 Followers, 2,680 Following, 7,903 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Heather Chavez (@heather_chav) Detective Heather Chavez with the Farmington police said.Police believe Carla likely knew her attacker. Reportedly, he is married to APD Detective Heather, who was also present throughout the trial. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Nobody answered, so she called police.Officers showed up and found Carla's body inside. NOBODY THUS FAR HAS HAD TO PAY FOR THIS CRIME. Since February, APD has made 15 felony arrests and 7 misdemeanor arrests for shoplifting. Another, Athena Padilla was arrested on March 9, was charged with 10 shoplifting incidents with a value close to $19,000. Jones showed Heather Chavez crime scene photos from Teras death scene and told her people were worried about her. Not among them was APD officer Steve Hindi, to whom Heather was married at the time. Bernalillo County deputy involved in rollover crash in Northeast Albuquerque, Where does medical cannabis go from here? The unfaithfulness began early in the couples 10-year relationship, around the time Tera became pregnant with the couples first child shortly before her 16th birthday. Also, a new bullet was in the Glocks firing chamber when law enforcement arrived at the Chavezes home. Deputies arrest man in attempted robbery that led to Bernalillo County deputies arrested a man Bernalillo County deputies arrested a man in an armed robbery-turned-gunfight that left his alleged accomplice dead last year in Southwest Albuquerque. At one point on Monday, Serna took the gun, which was not loaded, turned it upside down and pointed it toward himself. Nobody answered, so she called police.Officers showed up and found Carla's body inside. During testimony on Friday, she said she was referring to herself in the text. There was a lot the jury didnt hear, too, because of bitter pretrial wrangling much of which shook out in favor of the defense. In an indictment filed in April 2011 that charges Levi Chavez with first-degree murder and evidence tampering, prosecutors say he killed Tera in the couples home near Los Lunas on Oct. 19, 20 or 21, 2007. (Greg Sorber/Journal), Defense attorney David Serna speaks to reporters outside the Sandoval County Courthouse on Tuesday, July 16, 2013, after his client Levi Chavez was found not guilty of murdering his wife Tera Chavez in October 2007. View the sitemap for the City of Albuquerque website. All rights reserved. Serna will begin putting defense witnesses on the stand today. He. Eichwald instructed the Cordova family to leave the courtroom first after the verdict was read and asked Chavez family to wait a few minutes before departing. The Albuquerque City Council voted 8-0 on March 15, 2021 to confirm Medina's appointment as Chief of the Albuquerque Police Department. City of Albuquerque goes to court to shut down City says the property puts the community at risk, but owner says it's unfair to blame businesses for Albuquerque crime and homelessness, Bernalillo County deputy involved in rollover crash in Northeast Albuquerque, University of New Mexico Hospital launching health care listening tour, Support for families: Nonprofit that helps people who are homeless gets mattress donation, Where does medical cannabis go from here? State District Judge George P. Eichwald essentially gutted that theory when he barred Farrellys testimony after a motion from Serna. One revelation did, however, come from the deposition: Levi Chavezs story has changed about the last time he was in Los Lunas before he called 911 to report his wifes death. For weeks, the murder trial captivated parts of central New Mexico as residents were fixated in barber shops, diners and grocery stores. She still has a brother that lives here locally. He was the 35th of 36 witnesses called by the state, which rested its case Monday afternoon. Following the verdict, emotional family members of Tera Chavez were quickly escorted out of Sandoval District Court, the result of an edict from state District Judge George Eichwald who sought to ease tensions between the two families. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? abq.policecomplaints.info. "He's got several plans in the works," Serna said. Heather Christine Chavez, 46 - Albuquerque, NM - MyLife Former Albuquerque Police Officer Levi Chavez enters court on June 13, 2013 in Bernalillo, N.M. Dean Hanson/The Albuquerque Journal/AP Photo, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Associated persons: Lear Huntington, Caitlin Moya, Amanda M Reinhart, Danielle Reinhart, Leonard J . With one clear, simple statement, Radosevich drove home the states contention that Tera Chavez could not have pulled the trigger herself. Keener pressed Heather Chavez on a statement she made during her deposition that her sexual relationship with Levi Chavez began in a car. "This was a made up pile of lies from the beginning and it took the jury approximately 10 hours to find that out. "I'm going to go to church, pray my Rosary and thank my Virgin Mary," Chavez said as he was crowded by reporters. Who Wrote She's Like The Swallow, Boycott Black Lives Matter, But Romero said she never knew about her sons infidelity only that he and Tera were having problems., Your email is safe with us, we dont spam, Romero testified that she had regrets about guilting and coercing her son to remain married to Tera even though the two shouldve been divorced many years ago.. New Mexico weavers keeping tradition alive, 1 injured in Bernalillo County deputy-involved crash, Mortgage rates have little reason to fall in March. CONTACT: 505-415-2640. Chief Medina says the department has a partnership with some stores across the city to help but supports stores going the private security route instead. Debra Romero, also a police officer in the department, admitted to having an affair with Levi Chavez. Levi Chavez is charged with first-degree murder and evidence tampering. APD and AG are hoping to bring harsher charges for those who are more violent offenders or serial shoplifters. Also on Tuesday the state called DNA expert Alanna Williams, who testified that she couldn't tell who fired the gun that killed Tera Chavez because there were two sets of DNA on the gun's handle. . I want to make sure that the general public understands that we are not targeting petty shoplifting or individuals who are shoplifting out of a need, we are targeting organized retail criminals, said Balderas. Levi Chavez came back the following week and did exactly that. He asked Radosevich whether it would be possible to release the magazine after shooting oneself with the gun in that position. This included partnerships with the schools, teachers and laws enforcement with a focused presentation of alcohol awareness to students. Levi Chavez Now: Where Is Tera Chavez's Husband Today? Prosecutors allege that he shot his wife, Tera Chavez, through the mouth on either Oct. 19, 20 or 21, 2007, in the couples home near Los Lunas and tried to make her death look like a suicide. In the trial's final days, Chavez took the stand and acknowledged having a string of mistresses, searching a website on how to kill someone with martial arts moves, and ignoring his wife's calls for help. The Harwood Museum of Art's exhibition 'Outriders: Legacy of the Black Cowboy' explores this history through archival photographs and contemporary art. Where Is Levi Chavez Now? - The Cinemaholic Judge Eichwald ultimately allowed the question, to which Radosevich answered: At the time (Jones) recovered it, yes, Jones said the magazine was unseated. That was the whole thing that made me upset. (Greg Sorber/Journal), Former Valencia County Detective Aaron Jones talks to the media on Tuesday, July 16, 2013, after Levi Chavez was found not guilty of murdering his wife Tera Chavez. Serna admitted 29 exhibits into evidence, including an OMI photograph of Teras tongue removed from her body that showed a round burn mark near the back of the tongue. Heather Chavez said that, despite the appearance given in the text she sent Levi about taking his last name and more than 400 calls between the two from Oct. 8, 2007 to Dec. 12 of that year they did not begin a sexual relationship until late November or early December.. Levi Chavezs attorney, David Serna, will begin his cross-examination of Brookreson on Monday. Upon his acquittal, Levi dedicated his life to fighting for the falsely accused. (Greg Sorber/Journal). Levi Chavez is the Husband of Tera, and he was a police officer with the Albuquerque Police Department. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. Bernalillo County deputy involved in rollover crash in Northeast A Bernalillo County deputy was reportedly A Bernalillo County deputy was reportedly not injured after their vehicle rolled in a two-vehicle crash Saturday morning in Northeast Albuquerque. Its not a taboo subject at all.. John enjoyed horseback riding with his sons and best friend and cousin On March 16, 2012 we broke the story (READ IT HERE) about how APD's current Deputy Chief Allen Banks was caught lying while under a sworn oath to tell the truth when he was testifying in the labor hearing involving former APD officer Russell Perea. Guitarist Ottmar Liebert bringing his unique blend of music Ottmar Liebert and his band Luna Negra will perform with the New Mexico Philharmonic at Popejoy Hall on Saturday, March 11. ", Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. Dr. Heather A Pratt-chavez is a Pediatric Medicine Specialist in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Subscribe now to access decluttered news, chosen by you. Heather Chavez, Levi Chavez's current wife, testifies during his murder trial on Friday, June 28, 2013. Dr. Chavez works in Albuquerque, NM and 1 other location and specializes in Obstetrics & Gynecology. Mmmm detective Chavez with homicide, the text read. HE HAD TO WATCH HIS PARENTS PASSED AWAY. All the children are aware of who Tera was, Heather Chavez said, and they even celebrate her birthday. More from KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos, What Biden might try next if his student loan forgiveness, Bile acids and gut microbes could potentially treat, Should we bring back the dodo? CHAVEZ FOUND NOT GUILTY - Albuquerque Journal Jones was the lead investigator handling the death of Tera Chavez for the Valencia County Sheriffs Office. One reporter asked what he plans to do now, Im going to go to church, pray my rosary and thank my Virgin Mary.. Anyone with information on Beccas identity is encouraged to contact Detective Heather Chavez of the Albuquerque Police Department at 505-768-2404 or hcchavez@cabq.gov, or the FBI Violent Criminal Apprehension Program He was born in Albuquerque, and lived in Los Lunas. BERNALILLO The magazine that held the bullets for Levi Chavezs APD-issued Glock 9 mm pistol took center stage in a Sandoval County courtroom Monday morning as the former officers murder trial rolled into its fourth week of testimony. "I don't feel like speaking for his future.". They allege the former officer killed his wife to keep her from disclosing an alleged staged theft of a truck for insurance money. gtag('config', 'UA-177193517-1'); Levi was initially charged Jason Chavez in Albuquerque, New Mexico. On cross-examination by David Serna, Heather Chavez said the two spoke on the phone that day because Levi had been dispatched to a child abuse call, and she was the on-call detective for Crimes Against Children. Legal Statement. Your email is safe with us, we dont spam. Medina believes in strong customer service in order to create a program based on community policing. 76 0 obj Now they are calling on Albuquerque P Freed: Levi Chavez, right, a Get the help of an immigration lawyer in Albuquerque, NM, by contacting Cristina Chvez, Attorney at Law, LLC. Published: Tuesday, July 2nd, 2013 at 12:05AMUpdated: Tuesday, July 2nd, 2013 at 2:08PM. Carla Helmer hadn't shown up for work at a Farmington convenience store for three days. For non-emergency police calls, call 505-242-COPS. Instead, only the audio position of the recording was played in court. Please God," Chavez responded. University of New Mexico Hospital launching health care listening Hospital CEO Kate Becker says 'we really want to hear from our community about what their health needs are' in order to prioritize resources. Weve made it clear to them: Teras your mother, and she loves you,' she said of Tera and Levis children. Although he testified that someone had altered things on its hard drive, he was confident that one of the searches he uncovered had, indeed, occurred a White Pages search that turned up the home address for Aaron Jones, the lead detective investigating Teras death for the Valencia County Sheriffs Office. Dozens of Albuquerque Academy students volunteered New Mexico Supreme Court: Juveniles who plead can appeal Ruling stems from the case of Christopher Rodriguez, who was sentenced as an adult to 14 years in prison for his role in the Changes to city of Albuquerque's Sun Van service raise New process allows anybody to self-certify New process allows anybody to self-certify they are disabled. Garcia said she couldnt find any identifiable prints on either the Glock, the magazine or any of the bullets she examined. Titleist Golf Bags 2021, Trying to figure out where the medical cannabis program stands now is up for debate one side saying the program is expected to University of New Mexico Hospital launching health care listening Hospital CEO Kate Becker says 'we really want to hear from our community about what their health needs are' in order to prioritize resources. Portions of CA home hang over cliff after landslide, 1 killed amid turbulence event on business jet, UNM Hospital wants to know publics feedback. ) . Over the years, detectives interviewed a lot of people. She had multiple defense wounds, and had put up a fight. He had come to the her office to schedule a time to shadow Heather, according to her testimony, meaning she would show him the ropes of detective work in the unit. During these 19 months, property crimes saw double-digit reductions in many areas. Boycott Black Lives Matter, Your email address will not be published. Heres how the Glock works, according to Radosevichs testimony and a demonstration he made for the jury with the gun used to kill Tera inside the Chavezes home near Los Lunas in October 2007: The magazine, a polymer piece that holds bullets, is inserted into the butt of the pistol. Im not guilty. "What did I tell you?" Manage the news you want to see, read exclusive content and explore other subscriber benefits. He has pled not guilty. Chavez enrolled as a student at the University of California at Berkeley, studying writing and literature as part of the program in English literature offered there. Nobody thus far has had to pay for this crime," Chavez said.Police believe someone does know who killed Carla Felmer and Farmington police are still following leads in this case.Police are asking people with legitimate tips to contact the Farmington Police Department detective's hotline at 505-599-1068 or CrimeStoppers in Farmington at 334-tips. Heather Chavez's Phone Number and Email. Other stores are installing LOT-COP Security Camera Towers to aid in this deterrence effort. In the winter of 2014, after serving 20 years of being a sworn officer, Medina retired from the Albuquerque Police Department as a Commander. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. Police officers will often tell you theres no such thing as a routine call when youre patrolling the streets. Dated Nov. 14, 2007, it was from a fellow APD officer whose name, at the time, was Heather Hindi. Levi Chavez is a former police officer in Albuquerque, New Mexico, who was charged with the 2007 death of his 26-year-old wife, Tera Chavez. Heather Chavez (@heather_chav) Instagram photos and videos Romero said she was under the impression they were separated and going through a divorce. Her boss at the time was worried so she went to Carlas house and knocked on her door. Their additional three locations remain open. July 16, 2013: Levi Chavez, right, a former Albuquerque police officer, gets a hug from his wife, Heather Chavez, after being cleared of charges he murdered his estranged wife, Tera Chavez, in in 2007. Working with the attorney general office working with [District Attorneys] and ensuring that we are building strong prosecution upping charges from what used to be a larceny slash aggravated assault to now charging them with robbery, said Attorney General Hector Balderas. And six days before Chavez called 911 in October 2007 to say his wife Tera Chavez had shot herself in the head, all of a sudden, there was a deletion of files, said officer Michael Brookreson, a digital forensic investigator for the Las Cruces Police Department. (Adolphe Pierre-Louis/Journal), Levi Chavez, center, leaves the Sandoval County Courthouse on Tuesday, July 16, 2013, after he was found not guilty of murdering his wife Tera Chavez in October 2007 and making it look like a suicide. The defense from the moment Levi Chavez called 911 around 9 p.m. on Oct. 21, 2007 to say Tera had shot herself in the head has contended that the 26-year-old took her own life as she reached a desperate level of depression that had largely been driven by her husbands many extramarital affairs. At one point, state District Judge George P. Eichwald gave Romero a five-minute break from the witness stand when it appeared she may not be able to continue testifying. The two exchanged seven telephone calls on May 12 of that year, according to cellphone records investigators found under a mattress Tera Chavezs body was lying on. 73 0 obj But Romero also testified that Tera was essentially lost during her numerous separations from Levi. Serna said he doubted that Chavez would want return to the state's largest police department. Tell me if she feels cold?" << /Filter /FlateDecode /S 36 /O 90 /Length 79 >> Rebecca Sarker Sister Sunetra, The prosecutions primary theory on motive for murder was that Levi Chavez wanted to silence Tera as a potential witness against him regarding the truck. On cross-examination, Serna asked Garcia only one question: You didnt come to any professional conclusions that any of the surfaces you examined had been wiped clean, did you?, She replied: I could not determine that.. (Adolphe Pierre-Louis/Journal), Former APD officer Levi Chavez, second from right, hugs family members after being found not guilty of murder on Tuesday, July 16, 2013. Jones also told her Levi Chavez had numerous affairs while he was married to Tera, but according to Keeners characterization of Heather Chavezs previous statements, she wasnt interested. There was no solid evidence one way or the other., During the interview, the woman got emotional. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. According to her testimony, Heather Chavez was in Chicago with her parents the weekend Tera died. A Bernalillo County deputy was reportedly not injured after their vehicle rolled in a two-vehicle, Hospital CEO Kate Becker says 'we really want to hear from our community about what, Dozens of Albuquerque Academy students volunteered to help unload and deliver the furnishings. Justice was not served today, Cordova said. Email addresses are used solely for verification and to speed the verification process for repeat questioners. Shaver had led the department for the preceding 23 years, after starting his career as a patrol officer in 1933. Chavez was charged with first-degree murder and evidence tampering in an April 2011 indictment. Christian Chavez in Albuquerque, NM 20 results - Christian Chavez may also have lived outside of Albuquerque, such as Cuba, Bosque Farms and 2 other cities in New Mexico. Self Service Car Washes Near Me, Prosecutors Bryan McKay and Anne Keener declined to comment, as did the Tera Chavezs family, except for one comment from Jopseph Cordova, Tera father. Our Department City of Albuquerque As McKay began to ask Radosevich whether Jones had passed along the information about the magazine not being secured into the butt of the pistol, Serna twice lodged objections, claiming such testimony from Radosevich would be hearsay. function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} There is no confirmation on whether she is still a part of the Albuquerque Police Department. Contact Number (505) ***-**** Engage via Phone. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Chavez was accused of killing Tera in October 2007 and making it look like a suicide. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. News . Heather Chavez, Albuquerque Police Department, NM, (505) 768-2404, Heather E Hindi, age 44, Albuquerque, NM 87120 View Full Report Known Cities: Albuquerque NM, 87120, Albuquerque NM 87107, Albuquerque NM 87102 Possible Relatives: Anna M Chavez, Christopher R Chavez, David R She practices in Albuquerque, New Mexico and has the professional credentials of MD . She basically said she wanted someone to love her," Nick Wheeler testified last Friday. Serna, seeking on cross-examination to get details of Levi and Heathers life on the record, asked her to describe the blended family that includes Tera and Levis two children, Heathers child from a previous marriage and the couples 2-year-old son. >> SHE STILL HAS A BROTHER THAT LIVES LOCALLY. It appears that his wife, now known as Heather Chavez, is a detective with the Farmington Police Department. Manage the news you want to see, read exclusive content and explore other subscriber benefits. That would have been after she moved out of the home she shared with Steve Hindi, according to her testimony. Brookreson testified there also were several Web searches for Jones. But they didnt begin deliberating until Monday because of the late hour. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. the Albuquerque Police Department. Rebecca Sarker Sister Sunetra, >> SHE RECEIVED MULTIPLE STAB WOUNDS. Levi Chavez's current wife takes the stand - KOAT Serna has sought to poke holes in those assessments. "I can't look at her. The official website for the City of Albuquerque. But Keener pointed to more phone records that showed a call from Teras phone to Heathers on Sept. 29, 2007. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) - The attorney general and the Albuquerque Police Department are cracking down on serial shoplifters and organized retail crime. endobj Some of the evidence in the civil case, like testimony from an insurance investigator about the fake theft allegations, was barred in murder trial. A female juror spoke with reporters about 45 minutes after the verdict was read in the courtroom. Read More. They also werent allowed to watch video of that deposition. A Bernalillo County deputy was reportedly not injured after their vehicle rolled in a two-vehicle, Hospital CEO Kate Becker says 'we really want to hear from our community about what, Dozens of Albuquerque Academy students volunteered to help unload and deliver the furnishings. New Mexico and ABQ News, Sports, Business and more, By Jeff Proctor / Journal Staff Writer Download the Albuquerque Police Department's Organizational Chart. This comes as the number of cases continues to rise and the offenses more and more violent. The other half of Heather Chavezs wish a move to the APD homicide unit never came to pass. Its really hard to get your pulse on shoplifting numbers because a lot of companies dont even report things to the police, Chief Medina said. Levi Chavez was working as a police officer in October 2007 when he allegedly shot and killed Tera Chavez in the bed of their Los Lunas home with his police revolver. What should I do if I am stopped by a police officer? Many stores are now keeping a log of names and videos of repeat offenders. BERNALILLO, New Mexico The monthlong criminal trial and all its salacious stories of law officer affairs and a blundering investigation are over, but a civil trial looms for a former Albuquerque policeman acquitted of killing his depressed wife with his department-issued gun. Tera Chavez was just 26 years old when she was found dead of a gunshot wound on October 22, 2007. She would not have been able to release the magazine herself. Meanwhile, in the courtroom, Chavez and family gathered to pray a "Hail Mary" until Serna grabbed Chavez by the arm to escort him through a crowded pathway of supporters and family members. What is mud rain? Heinrich makes push on daylight Democratic senator from New Mexico partners Democratic senator from New Mexico partners with Republicans to reintroduce legislation in D.C. to make daylight saving time permanent. Levi Chavez's mother testifies - Albuquerque Journal Bernalillo County deputy involved in rollover crash in Northeast A Bernalillo County deputy was reportedly A Bernalillo County deputy was reportedly not injured after their vehicle rolled in a two-vehicle crash Saturday morning in Northeast Albuquerque. Man from Albuquerque faces federal firearm and ammunition possession They are very private, and we just didnt pal around together.. He was honored as the Uniformed Officer of the month as a patrol officer three times. The whole situation is just sick, she said through tears. The defense claims Tera Chavez killed herself because she was depressed about her marriage. Albuquerque Police Contact. Earlier Monday, retired New Mexico Crime Lab fingerprint identification expert Shirley Garcia also testified. Because we are targeting the worst of the worst we are finding and building other criminal cases, Attorney General Hector Balderas said. Published: Tuesday, July 16th, 2013 at 3:53PMUpdated: Tuesday, July 16th, 2013 at 11:21PM, #foogallery-gallery-0 .fg-image { 72 0 obj Mark A. Radosevich, a well-known figure in New Mexico law enforcement since the early 1970s, testified as a firearms expert for prosecutors. That witness, Rose Slama, also testified that she told Levi Chavez about his wifes allegations. "She was upset. Serna also has worked feverishly to discredit Jones, describing the former detective as a conspiracy theorist, an unethical investigator and a man who has twice been fired from law enforcement agencies. Steve Hindi : Public records about cops. Jones is the only one who has testified to direct knowledge of the Glocks magazine being unseated. (Adolphe Pierre-Louis /Journal), Tera Chavez's brother Aaron Cordova, left, and her parents Theresa and Joseph Cordova, wait in a hallway at the Sandoval County District Court for the verdict in the murder trial of former APD officer Levi Chavez, who was accused of killing Tera in October of 2007 and making it look like a suicide.
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