Sunday’s homicide of Bernardo Gutierrez Jr. in south Stockton has been felt deeply at Taft Elementary. Gutierrez was only 18; it wasn’t too long ago that he was a student at Taft.
Taft Principal Dee Johnson posted this message on Facebook:
I am deeply saddened we are losing valuable human lives to the unexplained and inexcusable violence that is growing in our city. Bernardo Gutierrez was a member of our Taft School Family for his elementary school years. The family is devastated. We are devastated. Donations are sorely needed and welcome. Taft School will be accepting donations soon to help the family through this very tragic time. Information about how to donate to the fund for Bernardo Gutierrez’s family will be posted soon. Viewing is at Chapel of the Palms, last opportunity to view is 6:00 p.m. Thursday evening. Funeral is Friday morning at 9:00 a.m. at St. Linus Church. Please keep Bernardo’s family in your thoughts and prayers.
