Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Blanco, NM: Blanco man wanted in girlfriend's death

Updated: Monday, 23 Nov 2009, 5:41 PM MST
Published : Monday, 23 Nov 2009, 5:41 PM MST

Web Producer: Bill Diven
BLANCO, N.M. (KRQE) - San Juan County sheriff's deputies are searching for a murder suspect believed to have shot his live-in girlfriend and run from the scene.

Manuel Gutierrez III is accused of killing Kristin Chavez, 28, about 6:45 p.m. Sunday at the couple's home in Blanco. Deputies believe Gutierrez, 28, and then fled on foot.

An arrest warrant has been issued for Gutierrez on an open count of murder. The warrant carries at $100,000 bond.

The murder weapon was not located at the residence, and investigators said they had no information on where Gutierrez might have gone or what he might be driving.

Deputies questioned Gutierrez's father, who was at the home at the time of the shooting, and said he is not a suspect.

While there was no immediate indication of a motive for the shooting, a sheriff's spokesman said the couple had a history of domestic-violence and child-custody issues. Chavez had obtained a restraining order against Gutierrez in 2000, but it had expired.

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