Kansas City man found guilty for 2021 kidnapping and murder: Prosecutor
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A jury convicted a 32-year-old Kansas City man Monday for kidnapping and killing Gilberto Gutierrez, whose body was found with stab wounds about a week after he disappeared in May 2021.
Ahmad R. Herring was found guilty of second-degree murder, first-degree kidnapping, first-degree robbery and two counts of armed criminal action, the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office announced.
Gutierrez, 52, had been reported missing the week before his body was found near a park at the intersection of 56th Terrace and Elmwood Avenue.
Police said the body was wrapped in a blue tarp and had several stab wounds.
According to court records, Gutierrez’s family reported him missing the week before, when they found his bloody clothing and a zip tie inside a barn. His keys and phone were missing, but his car was still parked in the driveway.
One witness told police he talked to Gutierrez before he disappeared. A man called him from the victim’s cell phone later that day, demanding a $100,000 ransom in Gutierrez’s kidnapping.
Officials focused on a white Dodge Charger they believed was associated with Herring after reviewing surveillance footage and tips from community members. A witness also provided a photo of a vehicle which included a license plate.
Police attempted to pull over the car on May 14 and arrested Herring after a pursuit.
They searched the vehicle and found receipts for drop cloths and bleach. A DNA test also showed Herring’s DNA on the zip tie found at the barn. At the time of his arrest, Herring was on parole for a 2019 first-degree manslaughter charge.
Herring will be sentenced on June 23. A co-defendant is still awaiting trial.
