Tommy Gutierrez Jr., 48, currently being held in the county jail, was indicted Thursday on charges of murder, a first-degree felony, and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, a second-degree felony.

Gutierrez allegedly shot his wife, 45-year-old Patricia Ramirez Gutierrez, in the back with a shotgun during a domestic dispute during the early morning hours of June 15 at the couple's home in the 1200 block of Sycamore.

According to District Attorney Hardy Wilkerson, Gutierrez is also being charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon because he threatened a second family member with the shotgun after shooting Patricia Gutierrez.

According to police reports, officers with the Big Spring Police Department responded to the home at approximately 1:40 a.m.

“The victim was shot once in the back with what is believed to have been a 12-gauge shotgun,” said Sgt. Tony Everett, public information officer with the BSPD, following the altercation. “The investigation into the shooting revealed the victim had allegedly been shot by her husband, who fled the scene prior to officers' arrival.”

Several hours later, Gutierrez — who is originally from Loraine — turned himself in to police officers at the Troy M. Hogue Law Enforcement Center, where he was taken into custody and charged with murder.

If found guilty, Gutierrez faces five to 99 years to life in prison, while the aggravated assault charges carry a sentence ranging from two to 20 years in prison. Both charges also carry a fine not to exceed $10,000.

Indictments were also handed down for the following individuals during the grand jury:

• Clifford Leon Anglin, 25, currently in the county jail, possession of a controlled substance (third-degree felony) and aggravated robbery (first-degree felony).

• Pedro Chavarria, 39, of 1210 Marijo, theft – more than $1,500, less than $20,000 (third-degree felony, enhanced), possession of a controlled substance (third-degree felony, enhanced) and burglary of a building (third-degree felony, enhanced).

• Ernest Garcia Jr., 37, of 2001 Runnels, possession of a controlled substance (first-degree felony, enhanced), burglary of a habitation (two counts, both first-degree felonies, enhanced), burglary of a building (third-degree felony, enhanced).

• Clint Rankin Elliott, 46, of 202 Circle Dr., driving while intoxicated (first-degree felony, enhanced).

• Leslie Luciana Limones, 26, of 305 E. Fifth St., possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver (first-degree felony).

• William St. Girard Thom Jr., 26, of 305 E. Fifth St., possession of a controlled substance (state jail felony) and possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver (first-degree felony).

• Jesse Rodriguez Lopez, 41, currently in the county jail, delivery of a controlled substance (third-degree felony, enahnced) and forgery (third-degree felony, enhanced).

• Eduviges Hernandez Marquez, 50, of 2345 N. Moss in Odessa, theft by check (state jail felony) and theft of livestock – less than 10 head, less than $20,000 (state jail felony).

• Dustin Noble, 18, of Coahoma, burglary of a habitation (second-degree felony).

• Dylan Lane Thurman, 18, of 506 N. Second St. in Coahoma, burglary of a habitation (second-degree felony).

• John Steven Renfro, 42, currently in the county jail, possession of a controlled substance (third-degree felony, enhanced).

• Johnny Juan Smithwick, 42, of 207 W. 17th St., driving while intoxicated (second-degree felony, enhanced).

• Juan Manuel Borunda, 18, of 803 E. Third St. Apt. C in Roswell, N.M., graffiti – place of worship (state jail felony).

• Jon Paul Proctor, 31, of 1804 Dixie, aggravated sexual assault of a child (two counts, both first-degree felonies).

• Amador Rios Jr., 28, of 1200 Dogwood, evading arrest (state jail felony).

Contact Staff Writer Thomas Jenkins at 263-7331 ext. 232 or by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it