RIO COMMUNITIES — The investigation into the death of a man in Rio Communities in early January is still active and open.
Valencia County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Joseph Rowland said the autopsy of Anthony Gutierrez, 42, of Los Chavez, has been completed by the Office of the Medical Investigator.
“We are still waiting for the formal investigative report but we have received preliminary findings that indicate the manner of death is homicide,” Rowland said. “Our investigators are in contact with family members of the victim on a regular basis.”
The lieutenant said investigators have obtained a substantial amount of forensic evidence from the scene, which is in the process of being transferred to the state crime lab for analysis.
Gutierrez was found dead on the shoulder of the road near the intersection of Horner Street and Rio Communities Boulevard (N.M. 47) in the city of Rio Communities on the afternoon of Wednesday, Jan. 3. Two people of interest — a man and a woman — were taken into custody but released later that day.
During the investigation of a homicide, due to the state’s requirement for a speedy trial, a premature arrest of a suspect can be dismissed during the prosecution phase, Rowland said.
“For instance, in any homicide, not this one specifically, if someone is arrested prior to lab results being completed, that could make it difficult for the prosecution. For instance, DNA could prove someones involvement or disprove it,” he said. “The prosecution might be put in the position of having to dismiss the case while they are waiting for results.
“We want to bring a good, solid investigative case with all the information and ducks in a row to the prosecution. On a typical scale, homicide investigations do take a longer investigative effort,” he added. “It’s the highest crime we have in society, and the rules of the judicial system only gives one bite of the apple. All the evidence needs to be presented at the time of an arrest.”
Rowland thanked the New Mexico State Police for its ongoing investigative and technical support of the case.
“I would also like to thank community members for the abundant amount of tips and information provided, which has helped in the investigation,” he said.
If any community members have information about the death of Gutierrez, they are urged to contact VCSO Detective Rashad Pearson at 505-866-2404.
Julia M. Dendinger began working at the VCNB in 2006. She covers Valencia County government, Belen Consolidated Schools and the village of Bosque Farms. She is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists Rio Grande chapter’s board of directors.
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April 25, 2024
