Woman who wanted to become cop accused of killing boyfriend

GALVESTON, TX (KTRK) -- A Galveston woman who aspired to be a police officer has been charged with murdering her boyfriend.

Claudia Esquivel, 22, is being held without bond in the shooting death of Christopher Chapa, 27.

"I didn't hear a thing," neighbor Ben Gonzalez said.

The gunshot didn't wake up any neighbors. Instead, Galveston police got a 911 call early Monday morning from Esquivel's mother on the other side of the island. She was reporting a domestic disturbance at a house in the 1600 block of M 1/2.

"The suspect went to mother's house and the mother made the initial call," Galveston Police Chief Henry Porretto said.

When they arrived at the couple's home, they found Chapa with one gunshot to his head. Esquivel told investigators she used the gun they had, and she was arrested.

"I never thought this was going to happen because I never saw them fight; they were always happy," Gonzalez said.

The couple had lived there just a month, but the home has been in her family for years. She's the mother of a five-year-old boy whom Chapa embraced, according to a neighbor. His family described him as well-liked.

Both Esquivel and Chapa worked at the same local restaurant.

Inspired by an uncle who's a deputy, Esquivel was studying to be a police officer. She completed the last two semesters at Galveston College, says a spokesman, but right now, it's unclear whether she'll finish.

Esquivel and Chapa share the same birthday. Eyewitness News could not reach Esquivel's family for comment. Chapa's family declined an on-camera interview, saying they're too distraught to talk.