A Phoenix woman, Angelique Herrera, has faced immense challenges following a harrowing incident involving her ex-boyfriend, Luis Lopez Gutierrez. The incident, which took place on November 8, has not only left her physically and emotionally scarred but has also caused her to lose her job and her home. Here’s a detailed account of what happened and its aftermath.
The Night of the Incident
On November 8, Herrera’s life took a traumatic turn. She recalls realizing her ex-boyfriend, who is also the father of her children, was attempting to break into her home. At the time, Herrera was with her current boyfriend, and not wanting a confrontation, they decided to leave the premises.
As Herrera put her vehicle into drive, a gunshot shattered the night. Both she and her boyfriend were struck by gunfire but managed to drive to safety and call for help. The shooter, Gutierrez, fled the scene, leading police and state troopers on a lengthy chase down Interstate 10, which ended outside Marana. He was eventually surrounded by officers and SWAT team members before being taken into custody.
A String of Losses
The shooting was only the beginning of Herrera’s troubles. As she recovered from her injuries, she was informed that she could no longer live in her home. Her landlord, who happens to be Gutierrez’s sister, evicted her following the incident. Adding to her woes, Herrera’s injuries have rendered her unable to work as a delivery driver, her primary source of income. This has left her and her two children without a stable income or housing, forcing them to rely on the kindness of friends for a temporary place to stay.
Ongoing Recovery for Herrera and Her Boyfriend
Both Herrera and her current boyfriend are in the process of recovering from the injuries they sustained during the shooting. Despite the physical and emotional pain, Herrera is determined to regain stability in her life. She is actively pursuing full custody of her two children, hoping to provide them with a secure and safe future.
Seeking Justice and Awareness
In the aftermath of the incident, Herrera has chosen to share her story, hoping it will resonate with others in similar situations. She acknowledges that she never imagined such violence would occur between her and Gutierrez. By speaking out, she aims to encourage others in abusive or potentially dangerous relationships to seek help early and avoid the devastating consequences she has endured.
Herrera has expressed a deep sense of gratitude for surviving the ordeal but admits that the recovery process, both physically and emotionally, is arduous. She hopes her experience will serve as a stark reminder of the importance of recognizing and addressing the signs of domestic violence before it escalates.
Community Support Through GoFundMe
As Herrera and her family navigate these challenging times, a GoFundMe campaign has been set up to help them with their immediate needs. The funds will assist with housing, medical expenses, and basic necessities as she works toward rebuilding her life. Community members have been encouraged to support Herrera and her family during this difficult period. A link to the campaign can be found on azfamily.com.
A Message to Others
Herrera has a heartfelt message for those who might find themselves in similar circumstances. She urges individuals to act before it’s too late, either by seeking help or leaving potentially harmful relationships. Her hope is that her story will inspire others to speak up and take action to protect themselves and their loved ones.
Moving Forward
Despite the overwhelming obstacles she has faced, Herrera remains focused on recovery and regaining control of her life. The journey ahead is undoubtedly challenging, but her resilience and determination shine through. With the support of the community, she hopes to provide a better future for her children and advocate for awareness about domestic violence.
