They circled their desks in the classroom, placed his in the center, and put his books and notes of remembrance on his desk. His death did not only affect his classmates, but his teacher, Jennifer Chavez, as well. She is also Chris' cousin and she lost her grandmother in the crash as well.

"The kids are doing the best they can under the circumstances," Jennifer Chavez said Wednesday. "It's been a hard week for everyone."

Chris and his grandmother, Flora Chavez, were killed April 8 after the 1996 Chevy Corsica that Flora Chavez was driving was hit by a pickup allegedly driven by 31-year-old Paul Sanchez within the intersection of Third Street and Ripley Avenue in Mountainair. Sanchez "T-boned" the driver's side of Flora Chavez's vehicle, according to State Police. Flora Chavez was pronounced dead at the scene, and Chris Chavez was pronounced dead shortly after.

The incident was captured on police video and audio equipment, according to court documents.

Sanchez was arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder, aggravated fleeing of a law enforcement officer, driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs, reckless driving, possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), tampering with evidence, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Sanchez made a first appearance via video link in Moriarty Magistrate Court on Tuesday. Bond was set at $250,000, and the case was bound over to state District Court.

On Monday, the town of Mountainair said goodbye to the grandmother and grandson. Classes were canceled at Mountainair Elementary so students and staff could attend the funeral. Chris Chavez's fourth-grade class served as honorary pallbearers.

Flora Chavez was a secretary at the Spanish Assembly of God Church in Mountainair, where she and her grandson were both members, and her son, Arthur, is the pastor. She loved baking and was active at the Mountainair Senior Center.

Chris loved video games, his iPod, bike-riding, hunting and basketball. He played keyboard, drums and guitar.

A Chavez family memorial fund has been set up through Wells Fargo Bank. It was estimated by attendees more than 500 people paid their respects to the Chavezes at the funeral.

Jennifer Chavez said that her family has been humbled by the outpouring of support, and wanted to make sure everyone knows that the family is grateful to everyone in the community.

"There has been so much support throughout the community, even from complete strangers. It's been amazing," Jennifer Chavez said. "We just want everyone to know how thankful we are for their support."

According to court documents, Mountainair Police Chief Edward von Kutzleben had received a tip April 8 that Sanchez was wanted by the state of Arizona on a parole violation. The original charge was kidnapping, according to court documents. When von Kutzleben stopped Sanchez, Sanchez took off through a yield sign and three stop signs, according to State Police. Chavez's vehicle was struck after Sanchez allegedly went through the third sign. Von Kutzleben did fire two rounds from his weapon, striking the left rear tire, as Sanchez passed him after making a U-turn, according to State Police.

"There is no evidence at this time that the tire shot by von Kutzleben had any role in causing the collision," according to the incident report.

Von Kutzleben was advised by his attorney not to discuss the incident, but he did send his condolences to the Chavez family.

"I can't say enough about this family and how sorry I am," he said. "I have kids. If this had happened to my family... I can't imagine what these poor folks are going through. My heart and prayers go out them. It was a tragic chain of events and I'm so sorry for their loss."

Sanchez was reportedly traveling between 60 to 70 mph at the time of the crash.

Sanchez fled on foot after the crash and the chief took him into custody, according to State Police. Witnesses described Sanchez as acting paranoid and possibly under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Medical responders allegedly found a syringe on Sanchez. After being taken to the University of New Mexico Hospital, Sanchez reportedly attempted to conceal a bag of suspected narcotics, which was tested and confirmed to contain methamphetamine, according to the incident report. Sanchez was taken to the Torrance County Detention Facility.

Telegraph editor Rory McClannahan contributed to this report.