Substantial bail for murder suspect

The posting of bail for a man accused of a fatal shooting in Madera remains unlikely after a review hearing last week.

Judge Dale J. Blea kept bail at $1.5 million for suspect Daniel Gutierrez, 31, on Wednesday at the Madera County Superior Courthouse. Blea also ordered Gutierrez to return to court for another appearance Wednesday.

Gutierrez was charged with the fatal shooting of Scott Martinez, 24, which occurred early Dec. 14. According to Madera Police Sgt. Josiah Arnold, Gutierrez, a farm laborer, followed Martinez in his car to stop at 4th and H streets.

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

Gutierrez then reportedly drew a gun and fired, shooting the victim in the head.

Martinez was taken to Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno, and put on life support. 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 said to have been found in his possession — one in his car, and one in his waist. Both guns, Arnold said, were loaded, and one of them is believed to have been the murder weapon.

Gutierrez is being held in Madera County Jail. He faces charges, that include murder and felony possession of a firearm.