Geneva murder suspect still held without bail, pleads not guilty
A Geneva woman who authorities say fatally poisoned her husband in late January and then tried to kill herself will continue to be held at the Kane County jail without bond while her case proceeds, a judge ruled Friday.
Julia Gutierrez, 53, is charged with first-degree murder in the death of Eduardo Gutierrez, also 53, whose body was found in their home on the 0-99 block of Crissy Avenue Jan. 28. She pleaded not guilty Friday to the charges and requested a jury trial.
Prosecutors argue Gutierrez spiked her husband's protein shake with sleeping pills and later tried to kill herself but not before sending checks and cash to friends to donate to churches and charities.
After her arrest in early February, Judge Robert Morrow ordered her held without bail.
Assistant State's Attorney Greg Sams Friday argued Gutierrez would still be a danger to herself and others if released from jail; Assistant Public Defender Julia Yetter noted her client had been taking prescribed medications in jail, was removed from suicide watch April 6, and there had been no incidents since then.
Authorities say Gutierrez poisoned her husband in December 2002 and unsuccessfully tried to kill herself; she was not charged in that matter.
Judge D.J. Tegeler said the lack of charges from the 2002 episode "befuddles" him and acknowledged Gutierrez does not have a criminal record. He added the safety of Gutierrez and others was now the priority.
"The court not only has to protect society, it has to protect the defendant too," Tegeler said. "I am compelled by (state) statute to deny bond."
Gutierrez, next due in court June 17, faces between 20 and 60 years in prison if convicted.