Indictment in Causey homicide

Portales, NM - Ninth Judicial District Attorney Matthew Chandler announced today Billy Joe Watson, age 44, was indicted by a Roosevelt County Grand Jury this afternoon.  The Grand Jury returned an Indictment against Watson on the charges of Accessory to First Degree Murder, Conspiracy to Commit First Degree Murder, and Accessory to Attempted Manufacturing of Methamphetamine. 

The charges stem from the murder of Causey, New Mexico resident Jimmy “Bo” Chunn, who was found deceased in his residence on July 8, 2005.  It is alleged that Donald Taylor, who was indicted by the United States Attorney’s Office on June 28, 2007, fired a lethal shot into Jimmy “Bo” Chunn’s residence on July 4, 2005 after conspiring with Billy Joe Watson.    

Ninth Judicial District Attorney Matthew Chandler stated, “Following a lengthy multi-agency investigation by law enforcement on a local, state and federal level, it has been alleged that Billy Watson encouraged and conspired with another to commit the murder of Jimmy “Bo” Chunn.  It is also alleged that Billy Watson agreed to provide another with 850 gallons of Anhydrous Ammonia for the purpose of manufacturing methamphetamine as part of the conspiracy to murder Jimmy “Bo” Chunn.  At this time no other information will be released in efforts to protect the integrity of the State’s case and preserve our trial venue.”    

On June 28, 2007, the United States Attorney’s Office indicted multiple members of the Aryan Brotherhood and others including Billy Joe Watson for their involvement in the alleged murder and other crimes.  A copy of that indictment can be found at http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/nm/pr/index.html, which outlines in greater detail the allegations surrounding the death of Jimmy “Bo” Chunn. 

Billy Joe Watson is in custody at this time and will have an arraignment hearing in the Ninth Judicial District Court within the next 30 days.  If convicted of the charges, Watson faces the possibility of life in prison.