PEKIN — Indiana State Police (ISP) detectives are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred early Thanksgiving morning, resulting in the death of a 26-year-old Pekin resident.
The deceased has been identified as Juan Antonio Gutierrez. Following a preliminary investigation, police arrested Philip James Hawkins, 22, also of Pekin, and charged him with one count of reckless homicide, a Level 5 felony.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Department initially responded to a report of a shooting around 1:30 a.m. on Thursday, November 27, on the 9000 block of Bush Road near Pekin.
Indiana State Police detectives and a crime scene investigator were called to the scene to take over the investigation. As part of their work, investigators obtained a search warrant and collected physical evidence at the residence. Detectives also conducted interviews with those present, including Philip Hawkins.
Hawkins was taken into custody and incarcerated at the Washington County Jail without further incident.
This remains an ongoing investigation. An autopsy for Gutierrez has been scheduled for Monday, December 1, to determine the exact cause and manner of death.
All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This article is based on the information provided in the Probable Cause Affidavit and does not represent a final determination of guilt or innocence.
