HPD: Inmate confesses to fatal shooting in 2000

HOUSTON

Javier Gutierrez, 34, was charged with murder in the 176th State District Court. He is currently incarcerated in the Texas Department of Corrections for robbery under the name Francisco Javier Gutierrez.

Gutierrez is accused in the death of Cruz Puebla on October 3, 2000. Puebla, 42, suffered gunshot wounds to the abdomen.

Police say Puebla and Gutierrez got into an argument in the parking lot at 8001 Fulton about 10pm for unknown reasons. When the argument escalated into a fight, Gutierrez produced a pistol and shot Puebla several times. Gutierrez and another male fled the scene on foot.

The victim and suspect were previously acquainted with one another and were from the same hometown in Mexico, according to Houston police.

On Monday, investigators say Gutierrez confessed to his role in the shooting during an interview.