Adam Edward Gutierrez, a 30-year-old Caucasian male, was senselessly murdered on the evening of May 10, 2016, in Federal Way, Washington. A Navy veteran, Gutierrez was enjoying a jog with his dog, a routine activity that turned tragic in an instant. The attack was as random as it was brutal, leaving a community in shock and a family devastated. His death was the third fatal shooting in Federal Way within a 48-hour period, heightening fears and a sense of urgency to find those responsible.
Born on October 27, 1985, Adam was a beloved husband, son, and brother. After graduating from Decatur High School in 2004, he served his country for 10 years in the Navy, earning the rank of Electrician's Mate Petty Officer 1st Class and serving in the Afghanistan War. Following his military service, he was an honors student, first at Highline College and later at the University of Washington, where he was pursuing an electrical engineering degree. He was known for his dedication to helping fellow veterans and for his bright, effortless smile.
The investigation into Adam's murder was intensive, as police quickly linked it to the other recent homicides in the area. In May 2017, a year after the tragic event, Federal Way detectives announced a significant breakthrough: they believed one suspect was responsible for the deaths of Adam Gutierrez, Alex Kelley, Frank Cohens, and Jeffrey McLaren. This individual was already in custody on unrelated charges.
In May 2018, the Federal Way Police Department announced that they had identified three suspects in connection with the string of homicides. The primary suspect, who was 17 at the time of the murders, was charged with four counts of first-degree murder. Another suspect, also 17 at the time, faced a first-degree murder charge in connection with one of the deaths. A third suspect, who was 20, was also charged with first-degree murder in another of the related cases. The motive for Adam's killing appeared to be a senseless act of violence, with reports indicating the primary suspect was a "thrill killer."
