Portales man charged in Monday's homicide

A 46-year-old Portales man has been arrested in connection with the Monday stabbing death of a 69-year-old man.

Police are citing robbery as a motive for the slaying of Don Chapman.

A warrant for an open count of murder and robbery was signed by a Roosevelt County judge around 10:45 a.m. Tuesday, according to Portales Police Capt. Lonnie Berry.

Isaac Montano II has been in custody since shortly after the homicide, Berry said, held on charges of a felon in possession of a firearm.

About 5 p.m. Monday, officers found Chapman inside his residence at 901 S. Main in Portales. He was semiconscious and suffering from stab wounds.

Berry said officers were initially called to the area after witnesses saw Montano walking around covered in blood.

“When he left the scene he had so much blood on him that people that saw him after he walked out thought that he was injured,” Berry said.

When officers found Montano he was uninjured and was carrying a firearm belonging to Chapman, a knife and Chapman’s wallet, Berry said.

They went to the Chapman residence to see if he was injured, Berry said, and discovered him.

Berry said witnesses saw the two men in front of the Chapman residence talking, then they went inside.

Berry said police believe Montano tried to rob Chapman and Chapman was hurt when he resisted.

Berry said Chapman was retired and officers did not see much at his residence to attract a would-be robber.

Police are continuing to process the crime scene, Berry said.

Chapman’s body has been sent for autopsy.

District Attorney Matt Chandler said the case will be presented to a grand jury in the next 10 days, which will determine the level of charges against Montano.

The homicide is the first in Portales this year.