LONGMONT — A suspect has been identified in connection with the disappearance of a Longmont mother who was last seen in March.
Based on evidence that was submitted to forensic laboratories, police identified Juan Jose Figueroa Jr., 29, as a suspect in the case of Rita Gutierrez-Garcia, who has been missing since March 17, according to a release from Longmont Police. Previously police said they had a person of interest, but had not publicly identified anyone until now.
Figueroa Jr. has not been formally charged in relation to Gutierrez-Garcia's disappearance and is currently being held in jail on an unrelated sexual assault charge, with a $1 million cash-only bond.
Gutierrez-Garcia, a mother of three, hasn't been seen since the night of St. Patrick's Day after partying with friends. Police said that Rita and her friends finished their night at a bar called Breakers, at 380 Main St., and then walked back to the parking lot west of 3's Bar.
While 3's Bar is located at 333 Main St., the parking lot is actually in the 300 block of Coffman Street. She also spent part of her night at the Speakeasy at 301 Main St.
While they're making significant progress, police said the case is still very active and they will not rest until Gutierrez-Garcia has been located. Police have said they believe she is no longer alive.
The police department is offering a $10,000 reward for information that leads them to Gutierrez-Garcia's remains or helps them make an arrest. Anyone with information should call the Longmont Emergency Communications Center at (303) 651-8501.
A tip line and email address have been established. The tip line is 303-774-3700 and the e-mail is
Policetipline@longmontcolorado.gov.
