Shooter’s charges updated to murder

The suspect of a shooting in Madera has had his charges upgraded to murder after his alleged victim died in the hospital.

On Monday, Judge Dale J. Blea ordered Daniel Gutierrez, 31, to return to Madera County Superior Court today for a bail review.

Gutierrez was charged with the fatal shooting, which occurred in the early morning hours of Dec. 14. According to Madera Police Sgt. Josiah Arnold, Gutierrez, a farmworker, followed the victim in his car to a stop at 4th Street and H Street.

“The suspect saw the victim at a gas station nearby,” Arnold said. “He followed him from there.”

Gutierrez then allegedly drew his gun and fired one round, striking the victim in the head.

The victim was taken to Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno. After several days in a coma, he was pronounced dead Monday.

Officers with the Special Investigations Unit arrested Gutierrez on Thursday evening. Despite being a convicted felon, two guns were reportedly found to be in his possession – one in his car, and one in his waist. Both guns, Arnold said, were loaded.

Gutierrez is being held in Madera County Jail.