Political conflicts in New Mexico in the last quarter of the 19th century often resulted in violence and sometimes in assassinations. The murder of Chavez aroused unusual indignation and intensified existing strife. Chavez was an opponent of the Santa Fe Ring and its leader Thomas Benton Catron. The murder trial implicated many political figures and eventually led to the execution of four Mexican-Americans who were suspected of being part of larger conspiracies. Catron was charged in formal disbarment proceedings with unprofessional conduct, including attempting to persuade a prosecution witness to change his testimony or not to testify. The charges were dismissed. Catron later became present of the New Mexico Bar Association and a United States senator. The case illustrates the use of organized violence to achieve political goals during that period in New Mexico and raises issues regarding the way that the logic, rules, and procedures of the law partially influence power relationships. Reference notes