Suspect in 1972 cold case killing 'might not still be alive'

Gabriel Gutierrez, 21, fatally shot on city's west side

SAN ANTONIO – There haven't been leads in the 1972 murder of a local man in years. The case has grown so cold that it's possible the people responsible for the crime have died.

Police received a call for a shooting at 27th and Poplar Street on Sept. 9, 1972. They found a white 1963 Chevrolet in the intersection. The engine was running, but no one was around. Officers found Gabriel Gutierrez shot to death on the ground on the 2300 block of Rivas -- about one block away from the car.

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A witness told police he saw "two hippie-looking men run off." Police said they later learned a woman might have been with the men.

Gutierrez was 21 years old.

Police have said "several leads have been investigated and suspects developed, but not enough evidence has been found to file a case against anyone."

The case is in the hands of the San Antonio Police Department's Cold Case Squad.

Police said family members are looking for closure and realize "the person or persons responsible for the death of Gabriel Gutierrez might not still be alive."

If you have information on this case, call the Cold Case Tip Line at 210-207-7401.