SCHERTZ, Texas – The Schertz Police Department announced on Thursday the high-profile murder of Henry Gutierrez, Jr. will be classified as a cold case, the first in the department’s history.
Gutierrez, a well-known businessman and community member, was found shot to death on Christmas Eve in 2015. Investigators said his white 2013 Ford Explorer was stolen from the home and finally found months later in March 2016, parked at a San Marcos apartment complex.
“As each Christmas passes by, it’s a sad reminder of the milestones that he’s missed,” said Miguel Gutierrez, Henry’s son. “My father was a well-respected, well-loved member of this community for decades, and it’s inconceivable to us that his murder still remains unsolved.”
The cold case designation will allow Schertz police to take a different approach to the investigation.
“We’re going to do an in-depth review utilizing a fresh set of eyes, reaching out to all of our partners. We need to be transparent in this investigation,” said Schertz Police Chief James Lowery.
Police said the Texas Rangers would be part of the investigation, and all witnesses will be called again.
“Leads are everything in the case -- information. We need a trail to proceed down, and as it stands right now, we’ve expired all reasonable trails,” said Det. Jonathan Patrick with Schertz PD. “Now it’s time for us to stop and reassess what we have and what we need to move forward in this case. Any information would be greatly appreciated.”
Miguel Gutierrez said several parts of previous investigations into his father’s death have been frustrating, but his family is hopeful for a resolution.
“A thorough review of what went wrong will give them some new avenues to look at. We are hopeful and haven’t lost hope,” said Gutierrez. “The very best gift that our family could receive this Christmas is justice for Henry.”
“This is something that we not only owe to the Gutierrez family, but we also owe it to the city and our community,” said Lowery.
Guadalupe County Crimestoppers is offering a $75,000 reward for any information that leads to the people or persons responsible for Gutierrez’s death.
If you have any information that could assist the investigation, anonymous tips can be submitted at 1-877-403-8477 (TIPS).