Dad shoots and kills mother of his three daughters--all of whom were in the home (Blanco, New Mexico)

Dad MANUAL GUTIERREZ III shot and killed his girlfriend, the mother of their 3 daughters, at her home. All three daughters--ages 2. 6. and 8--were home at the time. So three little girls are left traumatized, alone, and motherless thanks to an out-of-control, boneheaded father.

http://www.daily-times.com/ci_13854900

Blanco mother shot, killed
By Elizabeth Piazza The Daily Times
Posted: 11/24/2009 12:00:00 AM MST

BLANCO — A Blanco woman was shot and killed Sunday evening inside her home while her three young daughters were there, authorities said.

Deputies believe Kristin Chavez, 28, was shot by her boyfriend, Manual Gutierrez III, at her residence on County Road 4785, San Juan County Sheriff's Capt. Tim Black said.

Deputies obtained an arrest warrant, charging Gutierrez with an open count of murder. He remains at large.

While there is no clear motive, deputies believe Chavez, who died from apparent gunshot wounds to the neck, was the victim of domestic violence.

The couple's three daughters, ages 2, 6 and 8, were in the living room at the time of the incident, which apparently occurred in a bedroom.

At about 6:45 p.m., deputies were dispatched to the residence after Traci Gutierrez, Manuel's mother, called 911.

Traci Gutierrez was bringing the couple's 2-year-old daughter back to the residence when she reported that Chavez wanted to leave with her, Black said.

She told deputies that her son Manuel pushed Chavez and slammed the bedroom door shut when she went to get some things.

Traci Gutierrez heard several gunshots and then heard Manuel Gutierrez Jr., the suspect's father, yell "no, no" from another part of the trailer, Black said.

Manuel Gutierrez Jr. also lived at the residence.

Traci Gutierrez took the children to a friend's house, where she called 911.

Evidence suggests the elder Gutierrez left in a vehicle, while Manuel Gutierrez III fled on foot, Black said.

Manuel Gutierrez Jr. was located Monday afternoon. He is not a suspect and is cooperating with deputies, Black said.

Once Manuel Gutierrez III is in custody, the District Attorney's Office will review the case and determine if the charges need to be amended, District Attorney Rick Tedrow said.

No murder weapon was found and deputies are uncertain if he obtained a vehicle.

He is considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached, Black said.

The children were released into the custody of their grandmother.