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Weather delays homicide charges

Clovis police said Monday they expect to file charges in a few days against a suspect in the Dec. 20 slaying of 54-year-old Elizabeth McAdams.

Clovis Police Capt. Patrick Whitney said the holiday season and inclement weather delayed crime scene evidence from arriving at a Santa Fe crime lab for analysis.

He said the evidence will be sent to the lab today.

A suspect in the homicide is being held on unrelated charges, but Whitney declined to specify the charges.

Police believe McAdams, a Senior Center employee, knew her attacker.

Whitney said police have questioned Jerry Casiano, 21, about the homicide, but would not say what information he had. Police do not suspect he killed McAdams.

Casiano, who had been sought by police for questioning in the case, barricaded himself on Christmas eve in a residence on the 200 block of Fifth Street. Whitney said the occupants fled the house when Casiano came in and loaded a pistol. He surrendered to police after an 80-minute standoff.

Police are still looking for Veronica Galvan, 32, who is also believed to have information regarding the homicide.

Firefighters responding to a fire at McAdams’ home at 1600 Lea St. found McAdams’ body in a back room. Her throat had been slashed. Police believe someone set her house on fire to cover up evidence.