Authorities are searching for Stephen Chaney, a man who disappeared during his own murder trial. The Harris County District Attorney’s Office reported that Chaney, who was out on bond, removed his ankle monitor just a day before testimony was set to begin.
Chaney also faces charges in Louisiana, where he allegedly stalked and threatened his pregnant ex-girlfriend, 21-year-old Claudia Leiva. Leiva was found shot to death near a dumpster on West Rosamond Street in August 2020.
According to court records, Leiva had filed a harassment report with Houston police just days before her murder, identifying Chaney as the suspect and describing his vehicle, a grey Chevrolet Trailblazer. In October 2022, Chaney was charged with her murder after video footage allegedly showed him dragging her body from his vehicle.
Despite being initially on the run, Chaney was later charged with stalking in Louisiana, where he reportedly threatened to kill another pregnant girlfriend after she gave birth. He was finally arrested for Leiva’s murder in May 2022, and he posted a $100,000 bond in March 2023. However, Harris County officials became aware of his out-of-state crimes shortly after and briefly sent him back to Louisiana before allowing him to return to Texas on bond.
Now, Chaney—who has been convicted of murder—has vanished, leaving justice for his victims unresolved.
