Two Brothers Arrested in Drive-by Shooting Death of Las Cruces Girl
Las Cruces Police have arrested two brothers suspected for their involvement in Saturday morning’s drive-by shooting that resulted in the death of 14 year-old Jocelyn Marrie Trujillo.
Julio Gutierrez-Barrera, 20 and his 19-year-old brother Alonzo Barrera, were arrested Saturday.
Julio Gutierrez-Barrera is charged with an open count of murder, tampering with evidence and conspiracy to commit a felony.
Alonzo Barrera is charged with tampering with evidence and conspiracy to commit a felony.
Investigators also learned that Trujillo and a 17-year-old friend were party-hopping early Saturday morning, celebrating Trujillo’s recent release from juvenile detention.
At some point during the morning, they arrived at a party being held at 1400 Monte Vista.
Investigators determined the Barrera brothers were at the party but left after having a dispute with someone at the location.
It’s believed that shortly after leaving the party, Gutierrez-Barrera was driving his Hyundai Elantra along Monte Vista Avenue when he allegedly stopped in front of the residence and fired three rounds from a 9mm semiautomatic handgun toward the home.
One of those rounds penetrated an exterior wall and struck Trujillo in the back of her head.
Gutierrez-Barrera and his brother then allegedly fled from the scene in the Hyundai Elantra.
After learning the identities of the suspects, police located and took custody of both brothers at their apartment at 1410 S. Telshor Blvd.
Investigators learned of the possible whereabouts of the handgun believed to be used in the shooting.
After executing search warrants, police located the handgun in the glove box of a vehicle belonging to a friend of the brothers.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing and additional charges are possible.
No other information will be released at this time.
Julio Gutierrez-Barrera and Alonzo Barrera were booked into the Dona Ana County Detention Center late Saturday evening.
Both are being held without bond.
