A DNA match confirmed that Cincinnatti architect José Gutiérrez is one of four people found buried next to a bullet-riddled vehicle in Zacatecas, Mexico, last week, according to his family and local reports.
Gutierrez’s parents, who live in Mexico, told FOX 16 Cincinnati that the DNA results confirming their son’s identity were obtained with 99% accuracy.
His sister, Grissi Gutierrez, confirmed to Fox News Digital that his parents went to collect his remains on Tuesday.
Gutierrez, 36, was last seen at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport on December 22, 2022, while visiting his fiancée in Mexico.
BODY FOUND IN MEXICO LIKELY MISSING OHIO’S ARCITECH WHICH DISAPPEARED WITH DNA TEST OF PENDING FIANCEE: REPORT
José Gutiérrez has not been seen by his family in Ohio since he visited Mexico to visit his fiancée.
(Gutierrez family)
Mexican authorities discovered Gutiérrez, along with his fiancée, Daniela Pichardo, and Pichardo’s sister and cousin, dead and buried next to a car with multiple bullet holes and flat tires.
MEXICAN AUTHORITIES FIND CRASHED CAR OF MISSING OHIO MAN, BODIES BURIED NEARBY: REPORT
The architect was the eldest of his seven siblings and received his Master’s degree from the University of Miami. He and Pichardo had plans to get married later this year, according to FOX 19.
José Gutiérrez has not been seen by his family in Ohio since he visited Mexico to visit his fiancée.
(Gutierrez family)
Prior to their discovery, the Gutiérrez and Pichardo families held a protest demanding that the Mexican government find their loved ones alive.
OHIO MAN DISAPPEARS AFTER VISITING HIS FIEANCE IN MEXICO, FAMILY FEARS COUPLE HAS BEEN KIDNAPPED
Prior to their discovery, the Gutiérrez and Pichardo families held a protest demanding that the Mexican government find their loved ones alive.
(Luis Barron / Eyepix Group / Future Publishing)
MEXICAN AUTHORITIES FIND CRASHED CAR OF MISSING OHIO MAN, BODIES BURIED NEARBY: REPORT
The State Department has issued a travel advisory for Zacatecas, which has a higher risk of crime and kidnapping.
“Do not travel for crime and kidnapping,” the notice says. “Violent crime, extortion, and gang activity are rampant in the state of Zacatecas. US citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.”
