Los Angeles, California – A California man, Valentino Gutierrez, 64, who is accused of killing his wife, dismembering her body, and setting it on fire in a suitcase, has had his murder case suspended after his lawyers raised a doubt about his mental competence. The charges stem from a particularly disturbing crime committed in 2018, involving the alleged homicide and dismemberment of his wife, Tiana Alfred, 31.
Gutierrez is facing charges of murder and arson of property after allegedly strangling Alfred and setting her dismembered body on fire in a Home Depot parking lot. The incident occurred in the 2000 block of Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, and has shocked both the public and investigators.
Details of the Crime
According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, Gutierrez allegedly strangled his wife, dismembered her body at an abandoned Pasadena restaurant on January 31, 2018, and then transported her remains in a suitcase on a Gold Line Metro train in Pasadena. He reportedly carried the suitcase, along with a bicycle, to a Home Depot parking lot, where he attempted to set it on fire.
When firefighters extinguished the blaze, they discovered human remains inside the suitcase. Surveillance footage from the area allegedly led investigators to Gutierrez, who was subsequently arrested.
Suspension of the Murder Case
On July 17, 2024, during a hearing, Gutierrez’s lawyers raised concerns about his mental competence, which led to the suspension of his murder trial. His mental competency will be evaluated during a scheduled hearing on July 31, 2024. This will determine whether Gutierrez is fit to stand trial for the gruesome crime.
Background and Investigation
Gutierrez is believed to have been living with Alfred in a homeless shelter in the months leading up to the murder. Authorities have not discovered a clear motive for the crime, and Gutierrez’s actions, including the brutality of the dismemberment, have been described as grotesque by investigators. LAPD Capt. Billy Hayes described the crime as requiring “an awful lot of effort and determination,” calling it “cold” and “particularly disturbing”.
Gutierrez has a lengthy criminal history, including previous arrests and convictions for robbery, battery, domestic violence, and possession of a deadly weapon, which further complicates his case.
Prosecutor’s Statement
Deputy Chief Justin Eisenberg stated that the case was “particularly disturbing because of its sheer brutality.” Prosecutors have yet to identify a clear motive for the murder, but the horrific nature of the crime has shocked the community.
What’s Next?
Gutierrez’s mental competency hearing on July 31, 2024, will determine whether the trial can proceed or if further evaluations are needed to assess his fitness for trial. If deemed mentally competent, he will likely face the charges in full. If not, the case may take a different legal direction.
