Murder Trial Ends in a Deadlock
A jury recently deliberated over a murder trial involving Alfredo Gutierrez, who was accused of killing another man and concealing the body in a barrel. While the jury found Gutierrez not guilty of kidnapping and aggravated assault, they reached a deadlock on the second-degree murder charge, resulting in a mistrial and the case being dismissed.
‘I’m done with hope.’
The victim, Lee Rice, was found deceased inside Gutierrez’s brother’s home, bound and placed upside down in a barrel. His mother, Colleen Rice, expressed devastation upon hearing the trial’s outcome. Despite years of fighting for justice for her son, the lack of closure leaves her feeling defeated.
In the lead-up to the trial, challenges arose, including the deportation of a key witness in 2021. Colleen Rice persistently advocated for her son’s case, sending letters to authorities to ensure it wasn’t forgotten. Throughout the trial, she confronted painful details but maintained hope for a just resolution.
However, the lack of DNA evidence and inconclusive findings perplexed Rice. Despite the gruesome discovery of her son’s body and blood splatter at the crime scene, the jury’s decision left her disillusioned. The spokesperson for the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office mentioned the possibility of refiling charges if new evidence surfaces.
Final Thoughts
As Colleen Rice reflects on her son’s life and legacy, she struggles to find closure in the wake of the trial’s outcome. The lack of accountability for the heinous crime committed against Lee Rice weighs heavily on her, leading her to express deep frustration and a sense of loss.
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