By NC WANTED Staff

Posted: Sep 25, 2008
Updated: Jan. 28, 2010

CUMBERLAND COUNTY — Claudio Gutierrez-Cruz is wanted for shooting and killing 44-year-old Francisco Lopez Batista on the premises of Fort Bragg.

The FBI told NC WANTED that Gutierrez-Cruz had contracted with Fort Bragg to collect pine straw on a particular piece of property. On June 14, 2005, Gutierrez-Cruz had just finished fishing with his young son. The two were riding around when he happened to see three individuals collecting pine straw on that piece of land. According to witness statements, Gutierrez-Cruz grabbed his shotgun and aimed it towards Batista. Batista was shot in the abdomen and thigh. He received medical attention, but died the next day.

Authorities determined Gutierrez-Cruz premeditated the crime. They say he maneuvered himself into a position that gave him direct aim at the victim. The shot was fired to harm, injure or kill Batista.

Gutierrez-Cruz was eventually charged with first degree murder on federal property.

The FBI also told NC WANTED that the last point of contact from Gutierrez-Cruz was on June 17, 2005 when he stayed overnight in a hotel in Sanford, North Carolina.

It’s possible that Gutierrez-Cruz could be living on a ranch/farm in the Bella Vista Del Rio area of Cadereyta, Queretaro, Mexico, with his wife and three children. He grew up in this area and is considered one of the wealthier citizens in the area. But he and his family may have fled from the area and could be living in Mexico City, Mexico. Gutierrez-Cruz may be driving a newer model, maroon pick-up truck. Gutierrez-Cruz is also known to travel into South Carolina and Texas.

Wanted for:
Murder
Unlawful flight to avoid prosecution

Profile:
Sex: Male
Ethnicity: Hispanic
Age Now: 40
Height: 5”4’
Weight: 135 lbs.
Hair: Black
Eyes: Brown

Possible Locations: Cadereyta, Queretaro, Mexico; Mexico City, Mexico; South Carolina; Texas

If you have any information on the whereabouts of Claudio Gutierrez Cruz, call NC WANTED toll free at 1.866.43.WANTED (1.866.439.2683) or click on "Report a Tip" Your identity can be kept confidential.