Angel Gutierrez, 40, of Greenfield, California, died on January 14, 2010, at San Jose Regional Medical Center. Born September 20, 1969, in Salinas, he had been a long-time Greenfield resident. Local obituaries described his life and funeral arrangements but did not explain how he died.

Further reporting indicates his death was not natural and was treated as a homicide. Law enforcement opened an investigation and pursued leads; several suspects were later identified and arrests were made on charges that included murder and gang-related offenses. Court proceedings involved multiple defendants, evidence presentation and emotional testimony from family and friends.