Ventura, California – Jury deliberations are set to resume on Tuesday in the trial of Erick Estrada, a man charged with murder in connection with a decade-old killing in Ventura. Estrada, now 35 years old, is accused of being involved in the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Gabriel Gutierrez on the bike path behind the fairgrounds. The shooting, which occurred after a verbal confrontation that started at the fairgrounds, had left Gutierrez dead.
In addition to the murder charge, Estrada is facing two counts of attempted murder, including a separate shooting in October of the same year. His alleged victim in that incident survived. Estrada has pleaded not guilty to all charges and has denied 60 special allegations and a special circumstance allegation of murder by lying in wait. He currently remains in the Ventura County Jail with bail set at $3.5 million.
The jury, which had begun deliberations on Friday, requested the rereading of testimony from several witnesses, but later decided against it. They had Monday off due to the Lincoln holiday, as the court was closed. The trial saw both sides complete their closing arguments on Friday afternoon.
It is worth noting that there was a second defendant in connection with the fatal shooting near the fairgrounds. Timothy Scott Adams, who was 17 at the time, was also charged and pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in 2018. He was sentenced to prison at the age of 22.
The trial of Estrada has attracted significant attention due to the gruesome nature of Gutierrez’s killing and the passage of time since the crime occurred. The prosecution has presented evidence linking Estrada to the murder, including witness testimonies, while the defense has argued for their client’s innocence.
As the jury prepares to resume deliberations, the outcome of the trial will determine Estrada’s fate and provide closure for the victims’ families. The trial highlights the importance of seeking justice for crimes, no matter how long ago they occurred.