Paula Andrea Gutierrez was nothing more than a simple, kind, and gentle woman. (If you ask me, she still is.) She was living her life, like a normal person just like you and me. Paula lived with her boyfriend Nester Dejesus or better known as "Chino". The couple met in 1993 in New York. It was love at first site for both of them. He was very hard working with a lot of love to give, and she was a kind fragile woman, with a big heart. To Paula, it all seemed like a fairy-tale. Only this one does not have a happy ending.
Nester was a nice man in the beginning, but after a few years he became controlling and violent. If your thinking this is just another story about a scorned woman who got abused by her boyfriend. Think again, there is so much more that meet's the eye. Anyways, She say's that when they would go out in public he would command her to look down, fearing of another man looking at her. These were her exact words when questioned about Nester's insecurity. "The train station, anywhere he would tell me to look down. He would say I don't want you looking at him, or if he thought there was a guy looking at me, he would go over to them and start an argument, or sometimes, he would punch them." Paula feared this man, but also loved him. She also said that Nester would tell her "I'm gonna' kill you if you don't want to be with me." She claims he would repeat that statement over and over. Whether he meant it as a joke or not, this type of remark should not be played around with.
Five years after they met things got better. Paula became pregnant in 1999 with their daughter Ashley. Things started improving, but not for long. Paula started noticing things about Nester. Things that were to violent not to notice. Perhaps it was the way he started clenching his teeth when he got angry. Or maybe it was the way the abuse started to play out. Either way you put it, the things I am about to tell you are real. They have not been exaggerated nor are these statements false. They've been documented and researched.
"Don't Look up" she said.
Years later Paula was still with Nester and they were trying to provide a good life for their daughter Ashley. Who was eleven years old at the time. In Tampa, Florida July 6Th, 2001 Paula and Nester were arguing about money. In a basement with no windows, a place Nester called home. Paula called it a dungeon. They stressed the fact that they were running out of money, and barely had any food left in the cabinets. They both had to support not only them selves, but Ashley as well. The thought about having a lot of money sounded real good. So they made a plan to rob Bank Of America. It was 10:42 in the morning, and it was all over in about 30 seconds. They covered half of their faces with bandanna's, and Nester brought along his machine gun. Which was later identified as a Mac twenty-two. They got in the car and drove to the bank. Not knowing that their thirty seconds of fame would end in a very tragic, and disturbed way. There was no time to back out because they were already there. Nester opened the door for his girlfriend Paula, and the seize had begun. "Everyone down on the floor!" He shouted. With Paula right behind him, she told everyone in a sweet foreign accent "don't look up". They took the money that they needed, and got out as quick as possible. Little did they know that the money they took had tracking devices in it, along with tear gas. It exploded in the car when they left and they threw some of it out the window. Leaving a trial for the police; After the robbery was over, Nester and Paula went to an apartment complex to hide out. They also took in a hostage with them. He was there to witness everything I am about to tell you. It's going to get very brutal so please, try to stay on track.
While taking in a hostage, Nester had to go back out into town to get a few things, so Paula decided to take a shower. In hopes to wash away the tear gas on her skin released from the bank money. Nester returned shortly walking around the corner of the apartment complex. Minutes later, he came back to the hide out, face to face with a well known nineteen year veteran Officer. "Stop or I'll shoot!" The officer said. There was no time to do anything, cops surrounded the building, the SWAT team and the army were also there. It became very silent as everyone including neighbor's and citizens watched what was about to happened. In reality and on television everyone waited in anticipation. Nester Dejesus pulled out his Mac twenty two and un-loaded all of the bullets into the officer. She was wearing a bullet proof vest, but was shot countless times in the neck and side. She fell to the ground and bled to death while Nester ran up-stairs in the hide out apartment. Mean while, Paula had witnessed the crime right after she got out of the shower.
The Countdown
Nester and Paula sit in the bathroom both of them scared, conversation about what just happened. "You never told me this would happen." Said Nester. "I know." Replied Paula. Nestor had killed a police officer, and not just any police officer. Like I said before, this was a well-known officer. Nine year veteran with power and wealth. The couple contemplated on what they are going to do. Nester said that they should both commit suicide. That it's either death, or prison. Knowing Nestor's criminal background, Paula knew that he would never surrender. Nestor did not like the police, let alone living in prison with them. They both agreed to commit suicide. On the count of three they would both pull the trigger and perish together.
So the last minuet's they spent together, consisted of one last kiss. The countdown had begun. Nester held the Mac twenty two and put it under his chin, ready to blow his brains. However, Nester pulled the trigger on the count of two, not three. Leaving Paula un-ready and in shock as she witnessed the love of her life commit suicide right in front of her face. She could of went with him. Especially after watching your partner that you have been with since you were sixteen, splatter his blood everywhere.
She thought about her choices that Nester left behind for her. It was either death or give herself up. In shock and in disbelief, she then walked out of the apartment surrendering herself to the police. When asked why she didn't pull the trigger with Nester she replied " I thought of my daughter Ashley, and I chose life." Little did she know what life had to offer her next. Stay with me ..
The interrogation
2004 - Paula sits patiently in a white blouse and a black sweater waiting for the court to start her trial. The jury take their seats, and the man in the dress sits in his chair. [ The judge ] Paula's attorney and family and friends are there for her. Along with Nester's family and friends, and of course let's not forget all the members of the police squad who worked with officer Marrero. It was the public against one woman. The government against one woman, who simply did NOT murder anyone. If found guilty, she could be charged with robbing the bank. Also charged with the murder of Marrero. The officer's family, friends, and squad was there to see that someone had to pay for her death. Even if Nester, the real murderer was dead. So it began, a long process, and a very sad ending. Try to keep it together, it get's deep.
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| This is video clip of Nester holding the Mac twenty two under his chin. |
The FBI and police watched Nester commit suicide from a hidden camera. Nester nor Paula knew that the hidden camera was there. The world was watching, and so was the police. If you look really close in this picture you can see him holding the Mac twenty two under his chin. Minute's later he was no longer on the run. He was no longer in the eyes of the police, he was free. His sister, Maria Dejesus, made this statement to a Journalist in Florida: "I'd rather have my brother free than locked up in a cage and miserable for the rest of his life, he's at peace, with my father."
Paula explained how Nester would grab her by the shoulders, and throw her against the wall. Choke her to the point where she was almost blue in the face. She also told the jury during her trial that not only would he curse at her but, would also put a knife against her belly. Quote- " He told me if I wasn't pregnant that he was gonna kill me, that I'm lucky I was pregnant, because that's the only thing that was saving me, was the baby. That he wanted to kill me but he couldn't because I was pregnant." Keep in mind that this is the father of her child. Many of you will ask why she didn't leave him. She did many times, and took him right back, like many woman who are in an abusive relationship, it's not that easy. Especially when not only your life is threatened, but your family's life as well. Paula's sister took the stand after Paula. Telling the jury she witnessed on several counts that Nester had been abusive and possessive to Paula. However, this did not phase the jury.
Robbery tape exposed
The prosecution used the robbery tape against Paula during her trial. Implying that since she was giving the orders, for example saying "don't look up", that she was just as dangerous as he was. In her defense she claims she was only telling them to stay down in fear of Nester shooting. This is a statement made by Paula in court- "Because, when we were there I hear him saying, everyone get down and, I noticed some people were looking up. If he see's that you know, he's going to get real mad. It was the look in his face, that's all it took". This woman feared for her life, and others.
Images of Paula's past hold her future.
This is the Mac twenty two, that was used to kill officer Marrero, and the alleged shooter Nester Dejesus. This picture was took by Nester Dejesus years before the crime took place. Not only was this picture used against Paula during her trial, but the prosecution quoted "This is who Paula Andrea Gutierrez really is." Implying that she looks like a murderer. Also, they found the certificate for this gun and found out that Paula was the one who purchased it. Paula say's Nester wanted the gun, and the only reason she bought it was, simply because he couldn't, due to his criminal background. This picture was meant to be a sexy pose for Nester. A picture meant to be cute with no intention of a threat, was later used in the death of officer Marrero in a wrongly accused way.
This is a photo made by non other than himself, Nester Dejesus. He made this in a popular editing software called Photoshop. Paula said he found the idea in a magazine, and that he worked on it all night. Mrs. Gutierrez, Paula's mother received this scary image through e-mail, sent by Nester. As you can see, he has red glowing eyes, red horns and a red shirt. Also, his body and his face are surrounded by flames. Implying that he is the devil. You can barely see her but, if you look closely at the bottom of this picture, you will see Ashley hidden in the flames. Paula and Nester's daughter who was two at the time, she is now thirteen. Nester would sometimes threaten her family and talk bad to Mr. Gutierrez about his daughter. I believe when it was all said and done, he really and truly was what he made himself out to be. Someone who was so selfish and so insecure that he locked away his love. Trapped people with his lies, and all the other tricks he had up his sleeve. If that isn't the devil, I don't know what is.
Isaac Davis, who was held hostage took the stand in the courtroom to talk about his ordeal. "I was like, please don't hurt me, please don't kill me." Davis also say's that Nester told him, "we're not going to hurt you." The prosecution asked Davis if Bay News 9 was showing the scenes from outside the apartment or any other views of the complex. He then asked if Nester and Paula were watching the broadcast. "I believe so," Davis responded. "She [Paula] was sitting in the the dining room. Yes, they were watching."
This is Paula's statement in court:
| "She looked at me, and I looked at her, and she's looking at me like, why? " [ sobbing ] just her face as she was dying -- when she was dead." [sniffs] Her attorney ask's her how she was feeling at the time. Paula replies: "Just, it was just, I was in shock. It was just me and Officer Marrero. It was just so slow, and it was real slow, like just slow motion. It wasn't quick at all, it was just slow." The defense psychiatrist testified that Paula's description of the shooting happening in slow motion was a classic symptom of post-traumatic stress disorder. Even though the prosecution insulted, accused her, and used everything they could against her, time after time. Paula remained very calm during her trial. After all, she knew she was innocent. She did not commit murder, she was just as surprised as everyone else was. This is a woman with no criminal history. A woman who did nothing wrong. She claim's Nester forced her to rob the bank. Even if it wasn't against her will, she is only guilty of just that. Although, the prosecution had more to offer her than just that one count of robbery. They had a lot more, and Paula WAS innocent. |
To the left is Paula's mother, during the trial she had a few things to say to not only the judge but to the jury as well. "Paula was very dedicated to Ashley," Mrs. Gutierrez said. "She is loving, sweet and tender. That's why we can't imagine her doing what she did." Mrs. Santiago [ Nester's Mother ] Also told reporters: "She was a shy woman, and devoted mother. She is very delicate, like a piece of glass." All of these things are true, if you could of watch her trial, you would see that Paula is a very sweet woman. Not a murderer.
Paula learn's her fate
June 23rd 2004- All is quiet in the court room while the jury deliberates and the prosecution talk to the judge. Everyone waits to see what will happen. Paula and Nester's family and friends are in the back of the court anxiously talking. Officer Marrero the nineteen year well known veteran's family, friend's, and squad are there to witness. In hopes that Paula will get what she deserved. Even though, it was not her who shot and killed there loved one. Paula's trial is on national television. The anticipation is so tense it can be felt everywhere. Paula return's to her seat taking one last look of the jury, the prosecution, and the judge. They hold her future in the palms of their hands. Paula's attorney tell's her to stay strong. What you are about to witness for yourself, is and was a shocking moment for everyone. Nobody thought this would happen but, sadly it did. The jury comes back out ready to read Paula's verdict. Her attorney makes one last comment to the jury :
"I tell you now, without hesitating, that if you follow THE LAW, SHE IS NOT GUILTY." I believe that Paula is innocent as well. She had mental problems, she was - she is a battered woman.
All Rise
Judge: Has the jury reached a verdict? " Yes we have." It had been two years since the officer's public death, and it seemed like the whole city was watching and wondering. What would the twelve jurors say? This is the end. This is what everyone waited for.
" We, the jury find as this case Paula Andrea Gutierrez. The defendant is guilty of felony murder on 3 counts in the first degree. Guilty of robbery with a firearm, and guilty of kidnapping. She is sentenced to life in prison with no parole. There was a loud scream that came from the back, it was Mrs. Gutierrez, Paula's mother. When Paula heard the Jury's verdict, she spent the last few minuet's of her freedom in tears. This is not justice, but somehow it is the law. Paula made her way to the guards and said goodbye to her old life. Officer Marrero's family, friends, and squad all said quote " She got what she deserved, I believe she is where she belongs." Someone was finally going to pay.
Was justice served? No. Even if Paula deserved to be punished, I don't think many people will agree that she deserved to spend the rest of her natural life in prison. Not only was she in the shower when this crime took place, but she didn't know anything about the crime until after it happened. Did she really deserve life in prison? Could there not of been a lesser sentence? Would this of been a celebrity or someone with power or wealth, I can almost guarantee you either they would of walked free, or served time but not life. Seeing how she was just an ordinary citizen the favoritism did not apply to her. Plus, seeing how the victim was a very well known nineteen year veteran, that didn't help either. It was literally the public against this woman. Who was really the victim here? Someone had to pay the price, and it turned out, that person was Paula. The system did her wrong, they abused her just like Nester.
Where is Paula today ?
This is a conversation one journalist had with Paula in prison.
"What do you want to do when people say you're a murderer?"
Paula: "I'm not a murderer. I know who I am. I was in an abusive relationship. I feared this man. I know I was wrong." The fear that I felt for him, I didn't think about the consequences of going to jail, or prison. I didn't think about that. What I thought was, going home, and he's gonna' kill me. That's what I thought. I'm not gonna' harm anybody. Chino's gone. He's dead. You know, I'm free. That Paula is gone, you know? I've healed, I've learned myself again. It's a blessing in disguise in a way. " - Quote from Paula.
That person, the old Paula, she says, was depressed, abused, and weak. Strange that here, serving a life sentence in prison, she would finally feel free. Everyday Paula wakes up she lives and pay's for Nester's crimes. She will die in prison alone, and I hope that my letters of encouragement and support will be by her side when it happens. This is the true story of Paula Andrea Gutierrez, and I will continue to tell her story to anyone who will listen. Her daughter Ashley, and her family will always be in my thoughts. This could happen to anyone, it could happen to you. Do not be fooled by the police and news reports about this woman. Everything that happened before this crime is irrelevant. Paula IS INNOCENT!
I just ordered this book off of Amazon. It's not expensive, and I can't wait to read more on her story. I have just started writing letter's to her in prison. She has not written me back, and it's been about three weeks. This woman truly inspires me, we have so much in common it's un-real. I will continue to write her, even if she doesn't write me a single letter. What happened to her was not fair, and I strongly believe the more I tell her story, the more peace she and her family will have. As for Nester, well, I believe he would want me to inform the public about the truth as well.
