Massachusetts

Massachusetts Murder Suspect Fights Rendition From California

A New Hampshire man accused of strangling his ex-fiance last month at her home in North Andover, Massachusetts, has opted to fight rendition from California, after being taken into custody last week.

Brian Chevalier, 51, of Manchester, New Hampshire, was arrested April 25 in Mexico — just over the border from Calexico, California, according to the Essex District Attorney's office. Chevalier was turned over to U.S. officials and held by the Imperial County Sheriff's Department.

On Monday, the district attorney's office said Chevalier did not waive rendition at his arraignment for fugitive from justice charges, meaning authorities need to seek a Governor's warrant to return him to Massachusetts to face a murder charge.

The district attorney's office said they cannot anticipate how long that process will take.

Chevalier is wanted in connection with the murder of Wendi Davidson who was found strangled to death in the basement of her home on April 21.

"Once it was determined it was a murder I immediately thought it was him," said Davidson's son, Josh last week.

Davidson's family said the pair had dated for a couple of months before getting engaged but broke up about a month later in March.

Her family says even though Chevalier hoped to rekindle the relationship, Davidson did not seem concerned for her safety.

"She would drop everything and be there for you and ask questions later," said her son. "Her smile would light up a room, she just touched so many lives."

Chevalier is also wanted for violating parole in a New Hampshire case.

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