Bakersfield, California – Attorneys have begun presenting closing arguments in the murder trial of a man accused of killing a Tehachapi woman after a high-speed chase four years ago that ended in a head-on collision on Highway 58.
17 News is live-blogging the proceedings.
Manuel Vincent Gutierrez, 54, faces life in prison if convicted. He is charged with murder, attempted murder, recklessly evading a peace officer, and other offenses.
According to the California Highway Patrol, on the night of June 6, 2021, Gutierrez of Upland drove a Chevy Tahoe and allegedly attempted to run over an officer before leaving the Barstow area and driving through Tehachapi.
The chase lasted until 11:11 p.m., when the SUV collided with a Nissan Murano on Highway 58 East of Broome Road, according to CHP. Sheree Lee Fishgold, a passenger in the Nissan, died in the collision.
