Murder-suicide: Police find grim evidence in Iraq veteran’s car

Police say they have recovered and impounded the car of 27-year-old Abel Gutierrez, an Iraq war veteran who shot and killed his 11-year-old sister, Lucero Luna-Gutierrez, in the head before taking his own life Wednesday.

Abel and Lucero’s mother, 52-year-old Martha Gutierrez, is still missing as of Friday morning according to the Gilroy Police Department.  

Officers have discovered evidence – including blood – in Abel’s 2000 Green Ford Mustang, according to GPD Sgt. Chad Gallacinao.

“There was significant physical evidence found within the car to indicate a violent assault occurred, a firearm was discharged and somebody was shot within the car,” he said.  

Abel’s Ford Mustang was discovered in the parking lot of the Redwood Apartments near Mantelli Drive in northwest Gilroy, where Abel, Martha, Lucero and two other roommates shared a two bedroom apartment. 

Martha was last seen at 8:30 p.m. Tuesday at home, according to Gallacinao. The GPD is currently coordinating with various law enforcement agencies as they continue to narrow down and scour locations for the missing mother, Gallacinao said. 

“She’s most likely going to be in the tri-county area,” said Gallacinao, referring to “rural areas” that include Santa Clara and San Benito counties. 

“We have been in communication with a couple of different Sheriff’s offices because of the potential that (Martha) may be in a very rural area,” said Gallacinao.

When asked if the GPD suspects that Abel killed Martha, disposed of her body and then returned to kill his sister and himself, Gallacinao said that GPD currently is “not releasing much in regards to the timeline. Right now, our priority is finding Martha because we are very concerned about her welfare.”

GPD does not believe Martha is anywhere in Henry Coe State Park, according to Gallacinao. 

Police responded to the murder-suicide about 9 p.m. Wednesday inside apartment 201 at Redwood Apartments near Mantelli Drive in northwest Gilroy, according to Gallacinao. The incident was reported by two adult roommates who rented a room in the Gutierrez’s household.

The roommates, who neighbors said were between the ages of 30 and 40, came home sometime Wednesday evening. According to neighbors, about a half hour later, they noticed the bathroom door was slightly ajar and pushed it open all the way. That’s when they discovered the bodies of Abel and Lucero. Once medical personnel were called to the scene, they confirmed that Lucero and Abel were dead.