West Valley Man Pleads Guilty to Girlfriend’s Murder, Cites Mental Illness

A man from West Valley has pleaded guilty to the murder of his girlfriend, citing a mental health condition as a key factor in the incident. On October 10, 2024, Frederick Jason Edwards, aged 48, admitted to killing Esperanza Elizabeth Chavez, 25, in a shooting that shocked the Millcreek community.

Edwards faced multiple charges in connection with the crime, including murder and discharge of a firearm causing serious injury, both classified as first-degree felonies. Additionally, he was charged with obstruction of justice, possession of a weapon by a restricted person, both second-degree felonies, and abuse or desecration of a dead body, a third-degree felony. As part of a plea agreement, the latter charges were dismissed.

According to court documents, Edwards confessed to causing Chavez’s death by shooting her. His plea statement revealed that he suffers from schizoaffective disorder and experienced symptoms during the time of the crime. Consequently, his sentencing has been deferred for up to one year while he undergoes treatment as recommended by the court.

On January 20, 2024, police discovered Chavez’s body near a dumpster at 3994 S. 300 West. An autopsy revealed she had been shot twice in the head at close range. Surveillance footage identified Edwards as a suspect, showing him arriving at the scene in a Chevrolet truck around 12:20 a.m. The footage captured him attempting to dispose of Chavez’s body in the dumpster.

When he struggled to place her body inside, Edwards dragged it to the back of the dumpster and attempted to cover it with clothing and a bag. Investigators later found blood on the passenger seat, center console, and glove box of Edwards’ truck, with a coat soaked in blood resting on the passenger seat.

Edwards has a documented history of violence, including multiple assaults and other serious offenses. He is also facing separate charges of attempted mayhem and assault against Chavez stemming from a prior incident. In October 2023, during an argument, Edwards allegedly assaulted Chavez while driving, repeatedly punching her.

This case highlights the intersection of mental health and violent crime, raising questions about the justice system’s approach to offenders with mental health issues. As Edwards prepares for treatment, the community grapples with the tragic loss of a young life and the circumstances surrounding it.