Body of Missing El Paso Man Found Buried; Suspect Arrested for Murder

EL PASO, TX – The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a 48-year-old man in connection with the death of David Luciano Gutierrez, whose body was found buried nearly two months after he was reported missing.

Gutierrez, 45, was last seen on September 7, 2025. A missing person’s report was filed on September 15, prompting detectives with the Major Crimes Unit to begin a full investigation.

On November 1, investigators executed a search warrant at a property on the 1100 block of South Ascencion Street. While searching the property, detectives uncovered human remains buried on-site. The Medical Examiner later identified the remains as Gutierrez and ruled the case a homicide.

Weeks later, on December 8, members of the Major Crimes Unit and the Fugitive Apprehension Unit located and arrested 48-year-old Javier Montoya Rubio at a residence on the 14300 block of Desierto Lindo Avenue. Montoya was charged with murder and booked into the El Paso County Detention Facility, where he is being held without bond. He also had an outstanding warrant for manufacture or delivery of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance over 400 grams, which carries a $15,000 bond.

Sheriff Oscar Ugarte said the department is committed to seeing the case through. “The Sheriff’s Office remains firmly dedicated to bringing justice to victims and their families. Our team works tirelessly to uncover the truth, follow every lead, and ensure that those responsible for violent acts are held accountable.”

The investigation remains ongoing.