SCHERTZ, Texas — Schertz police are urging anyone with clues into the murder of a Schertz businessman in the winter of 2015 to come forward.
Christmas Eve 2015, Henry Gutierrez was sitting inside his living room when someone walked in and shot him multiple times. His killer is still at large. The family believes it is someone Henry knew.
For the first time, the police department is now making this a cold case. Schertz Police Chief James (Jim) Lowery, Jr., said this will consist of an in-depth review and said witnesses will be recalled, including the victim’s son Miguel. He actually found his father murdered years ago. It is a painful day for him.
Miguel Gutierrez, for several years, has pleaded for answers in his father's murder. "It is not fair," he said. "It is not fair he is not here."
At a Thursday news conference, KENS 5 asked the detective in the case, why is it difficult to solve.
“We need a trail to proceed on,” the detective said. “And as it stands right now, we have expired all reasonable trails that we have had as about six months ago.”
Miguel also spoke on behalf of the family.
“A tip may create a lead which reopens the case,” he said. “And reinvigorates the investigation and that is what we desperately need. The very best gift, this Christmas, that our family can receive is justice for Henry.”
KENS 5 also spoke with Henry’s older sister who came in from New York. Minnie Gutierrez Michalski said her brother’s murder takes her back to how he was that day.
“That has been the hardest part.” she said. “It wasn’t so important to me who killed him. It was to me how he was feeling at the time.”
The investigation also involves the Texas Rangers. The chief said if they need more help with the case, they will ask for it. Miguel said with this new change, he hopes someone will come forward. He said the smallest information could be the key to catching his father’s killer.
“It is bittersweet,” he said. “And a long time coming. We are hopeful.”
The reward for information is up to $75,000 at this point.
Anyone with information can contact the Guadalupe County Crime Stoppers at 1-877-403-8477 (TIPS) or Schertz Police at 210-619-1200. You can remain anonymous.
See the full press conference below:
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