Teen Beaten To Death In Broward, Family Living In Fear
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BROWARD (CBSMiami) – A teen, with big dream to make a future for himself and his mother in the U.S., was brutally beaten outside his home. Those dreams were shattered five days later when he died.
Det. Bryan Tutler of the Broward Sheriff's Office hasn't revealed many details in the case other than that 18-year-old Omar DeJesus Gutierrez was viciously attacked while talking on the phone outside his home near Oakland Park Blvd. and Andrews Ave. on January 7th.
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One detail that did stick out was the level of violence.
"This attack was a lot more vicious than normal attacks that we investigate," said Tutler. "It was definitely more than just a beating with fists. It wasn't just some chance encounter that led to people striking each other with their hands."
Gutierrez family is utterly devastated.
"He was a beautiful person, a good person," his cousin said.
She didn't want to give her name, she's afraid to be identified because the killer is still out there.
She describes Gutierrez as a hard worker, a great guy and a beautiful person.
He came to the U.S. from Guatemala more than a year ago. Every week he would send money home to his mom.
With tears streaming down her face she recalled conversations he would have with his mother, "He'd say, 'I love you mom.'"
"Omar, my nephew, was a great person," Gutierrez's uncle said. "He had no problem, he had no enemies."
The family is trying to figure out a motive for murder.
"We want justice," he cousin said. "Please, we need the community's help."
"Even the smallest piece of information that people think might be trivial could definitely be important and lead us in the right direction," said Tutler. "A well-placed phone call could make or break a case, especially this one."
If you have information, call Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS.
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