Javier Barrios murder: Gabriela Escutia heads to court for 2007 case
Jury selection has begun in the trial of a 2007 killing of a teenager named Javier Barrios.
Gabriela Escutia, age 24, faces two counts of murder with Ricardo Gutierrez, for shooting the 18-year-old teen in October 28, 2007.
Authorities say Escutia shot Barrios once in the chest while he sat in his vehicle at the gas station, then Gutierrez shot him twice from behind when he started to run away.
She has been held in the Will County jail in lieu of $5 million bond since her arrest two days after Barrios’ death.
Barrios was pronounced dead at the scene.
After shooting Barrios, prosecutors said, Gutierrez and Escutia drove to Chicago together and went to a movie.
Gutierrez was convicted of murder after a March jury trial, and was sentenced to 68 years in prison by Will County Judge Carla Alessio-Policandriotes in July, His case is on appeal.
Gutierrez’s attorneys said Gutierrez was trying to help Escutia, his girlfriend, stand up to Barrios. They claimed Barrios abused Escutia mentally and physically and had threatened to hurt her baby.
Prosecutors said Gutierrez wanted to eliminate Barrios as a romantic rival for Escutia’s affection.
Having viewed this ladies case and the sentence that was applied I find myself very fortunate not to have anything to do with the USA – who appoints your judges God help anyone unfortunate to be tried by the likes of these pathetic enforcers of justice they are nothing lower than scum of the earth. this case shows absolutely no compassion whatsoever – thank God I have never had any desire to reside or have anything to do with this pathetic country