Press Release – Rita Gutierrez-Garcia July 19, 2019
PRESS RELEASE – July 19, 2018 – As a result of testing from evidence submitted to forensic laboratories, we can now identify a suspect in Rita’s disappearance as Juan Jose Figueroa Jr. (04/20/1989). Mr. Figueroa, has not been charged in this case and should be presumed innocent. Mr. Figueroa is currently not a danger to our community as he is being held in jail on an unrelated sexual assault charge with a $1 million cash only bond. Longmont Police Services continues to investigate all leads involving the disappearance of Rita Gutierrez-Garcia and continues to take this investigation very seriously. There is a $10,000 reward for information that leads to Rita’s discovery or for information which helps us in arresting the suspect.
At this point, we are still collecting information and/or evidence, and we will continue to follow-up on all leads. This is still a very active investigation, we are making significant progress, but we will not rest until we find Rita and this case is resolved. As we have previously said, for all the reasons now known in this investigation, it is our belief that Rita is no longer alive, and her remains have not been found.
As a reminder, we have not received any information that has assisted in locating Rita. There are hundreds of miles of isolated dirt roads in the surrounding area. If you have time when you are taking a hike or driving please check rural roadways and secluded areas. Pay attention to your surroundings.
A tip line and email address have been established for anyone with information. Please call (303) 774-3700, for the police tip line or e-mail your tips to Policetipline@longmontcolorado.gov.
Additional information about Rita Gutierrez-Garcia.
Anyone with relevant information requiring immediate police involvement and follow-up is asked to call the Longmont Emergency Communications Center at (303) 651-8501.
