Iraq War veteran may have also killed mother, police say

Police searching for the missing mother of an Iraq War veteran who shot and killed his 11-year-old sister before killing himself said Friday that they found signs indicating someone was shot inside his car.

Police found the bodies of Abel Gutierrez and his sister in their Gilroy apartment late Wednesday and have been searching for his mother since.

They believe that Martha Gutierrez, 52, may be critically injured or dead and have asked for the public’s help finding her.  

During the investigation, officers impounded Gutierrez’s Ford Mustang and found evidence indicating that a violent assault and shooting happened in the car, said Gilroy Police Sgt. Chad Gallacinao.

Police had responded previously to calls at the home and were told by family members that Gutierrez suffered from post traumatic stress disorder. Police officials were working with Gutierrez and his family to coordinate veterans' services for him, Gallacinao said.

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-- Paloma Esquivel

Photo: Martha Gutierrez. Credit: KTLA-TV