News

**Muse** · (This post was last modified: 03-16-2012 08:40 AM by Muse.)

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cg....DTL&tsp=1

An Iraq war veteran said by his family to be suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder killed his 11-year-old sister and himself in their Gilroy apartment, and authorities fear he may have also wounded or slain his mother, police said Thursday.

Officers found Abel Gutierrez, 27, and his 11-year-old sister, Lucero Gutierrez, shot to death in their apartment Wednesday evening after being called by neighbors to the complex at 9005 Kern Ave.

Their mother, 52-year-old Martha Gutierrez, was not at home and has not been found, police said. There is evidence she may be fatally injured, investigators said.

Police said they were called to the residence last month by worried relatives.

"The family had concerns about his mental stability," said Gilroy Police Sgt. Chad Gallacinao. "They thought he was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder."

He said a police officer who took a special interest in the case because he also was a veteran went to the home on Feb. 29, and again on March 6, to check on Gutierrez.

"The officer found that Abel did not show any signs that he wanted to hurt himself or any others," Gallacinao said. "He didn't commit any crimes. We tried to coordinate service with the VA."

...

She said Abel Gutierrez was not around home much, but when he was, neighbors felt "unsafe around him." Other neighbors said he often carried a gun in the back of his pants.

"I think this could have been prevented," Amado said. "If there is a guy that nobody felt safe around, somebody could have done something."

...

Police ask that anyone with information about Martha Gutierrez's whereabouts call them at (408) 846-0350.

KTVU newscast reported that Abel had asked (friends? relatives?) if they thought his mother would (be) hurt if he killed himself.

Candle

**LoP Guest** lop guest User ID: 71541 03-16-2012 09:01 AM

Military has really gone down hill... Like everything else in this country. This isn't going to end well. Anon

**Muse**

The vets are not getting the treatment and support they need, it's outrageous.