New Mexico Man Convicted of Killing Scientist Who Let Him Stay in His Home — Suffocated Victim With Belt and Plastic Bag

ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO — A New Mexico man has been convicted of first-degree murder after brutally killing a research scientist who had taken him into his home out of kindness.

38-year-old Daniel Hadders was found guilty by a Bernalillo County jury on Tuesday for the asphyxiation death of 46-year-old Christopher Fallen, a respected scientist from Cheyenne, Wyoming, who was found dead inside his Albuquerque residence on February 6, 2024.

Officials described the crime as “calculated and horrific,” saying Hadders suffocated Fallen with a plastic bag and a belt, then robbed him before fleeing in the victim’s car.

Scientist Found Bound and Suffocated in His Home

According to the Albuquerque Police Department, coworkers of Fallen became alarmed when he missed several work calls and went to check on him. When they arrived at his home on Lafayette Drive NE, they had to break down the door — and what they discovered was horrifying.

Fallen was found bound with duct tape, his head wrapped in layers of tape, and a plastic bag tightened around his neck with a belt. His cause of death was ruled asphyxiation.

Investigators also found that his car, electronic devices, and personal documents had been stolen from the home.

“This was a calculated and horrific act of violence,” said District Attorney Sam Bregman, commending investigators for ensuring Hadders was held accountable.

Murder Motivated by Betrayal and Greed

Detectives learned that Fallen had befriended Andres Chavez, a man he met through a dating app, and later allowed him to live in his home temporarily “to get on his feet.”

Through Chavez, Fallen came into contact with Hadders — who also began staying at the house.

Between February 2 and February 5, police say Hadders sent Chavez a photo of Fallen bound and bloodied, with a shirt covering his eyes. Investigators determined that the photo was taken days before Fallen’s death, suggesting he was tortured.

When police tracked Fallen’s stolen car to a Starbucks parking lot, Hadders was found inside along with another person. Officers recovered credit cards, keys, and documents belonging to Fallen — along with Chavez’s personal information.

Hadders claimed he had “bought the car,” but legal paperwork at Fallen’s home and items inside the vehicle tied him directly to the murder.

Co-Conspirator Found Dead; Hadders Faces Life in Prison

Authorities charged both Hadders and Chavez with murder, kidnapping, aggravated burglary, and tampering with evidence. However, Chavez fled to El Paso, Texas, where he later died of a drug overdose before trial.

Hadders, meanwhile, was tried and convicted on multiple counts, including first-degree murder, kidnapping, and burglary.

The jury’s verdict was unanimous. Prosecutors praised the decision, emphasizing that Fallen’s death represented a “betrayal of compassion.”

“Christopher opened his home to help someone in need — and was met with unimaginable cruelty,” DA Bregman said.

The case stands as a grim reminder of how generosity can be exploited by those with violent intent.

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