Head-on Collision Resulting in Death of Baby NR17159aj

Van Nuys: On May 26, 2017, around 11:05 p.m., Julian Gutierrez, 25-year-old resident of North Hills, was driving a 2010 Nissan Altima southbound Fulton Avenue, south of Hatteras Street in Van Nuys, CA. Gutierrez crossed the double yellow lines, drove onto oncoming traffic, and collided head-on with a 1997 Acura Integra travelling northbound on Fulton Avenue.

As a result of the collision, the driver of the Acura, Judith Mauricio, suffered serious injuries. Mauricio was approximately eight months pregnant.

Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded to the scene and transported Mauricio to a local hospital. She gave birth to a baby girl at the hospital which subsequently died.

The investigation revealed that Gutierrez was driving under the influence during the time of the collision. He sustained minor injuries as a result of the collision and was treated by paramedics at scene.

Based on the totality of factors in the collision, Gutierrez was arrested for 187 PC (Murder) with a bail of $2,000,000. He also had a warrant in the amount for $70,000 which increased the bail amount to $2,070,000.

There were no other vehicles or passengers involved in the collision.

Anyone with information about the collision should contact Valley Traffic Division, Officer Martinez at (818) 644-8032 or Detective William Bustos at (818) 644-8021. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org. Tipsters may also visit www.lapdonline.org, and click on “Anonymous Web Tips” under the “Get Involved-Crime Stoppers” menu to submit an online tip. Lastly, tipsters may also download the “P3 Tips” mobile application and select the LA Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.