Chattanooga, Tennessee, October 1, 2025
News Summary
The trial for Edwin Aldo Mendez-Perez started this week in Hamilton County Criminal Court. He faces first-degree murder and aggravated burglary charges for fatally stabbing 28-year-old Rosalio Gomez-Gutierrez in November. The prosecution claims Mendez-Perez’s access to his girlfriend’s home and intentions during the incident were pivotal elements of the case. The trial will examine the complexities surrounding the confrontation and the intent behind the actions leading to the tragic death.
Chattanooga, Tennessee – The trial for Edwin Aldo Mendez-Perez, 24, commenced on Tuesday in Hamilton County Criminal Court, where he faces charges of first-degree murder and aggravated burglary. Mendez-Perez is accused of fatally stabbing 28-year-old Rosalio Gomez-Gutierrez on November 26, 2023.
During the opening statements, Hamilton County Chief Homicide Prosecutor Paul Moyle highlighted a chilling quote allegedly made by Mendez-Perez, indicating a hostile intent towards Gomez-Gutierrez. The prosecution claims that Mendez-Perez gained access to his girlfriend’s residence at 2001 Garfield St. using a key, and proceeded to stab Gutierrez in critical areas including the aorta, pulmonary vein, and the back of the neck, which resulted in severing his jugular.
Following the stabbing, it is alleged that Mendez-Perez disposed of the weapon and fled to Wyoming, Michigan, where police later apprehended him upon notification of his location. After being informed of his rights, Mendez-Perez reportedly told Michigan State Police that a fight had occurred between him and Gutierrez around midnight. Prior to the violence, he had left his girlfriend’s home after being instructed to do so by Gutierrez’s stepfather.
Testimony from Moyle suggested that tensions escalated when Mendez-Perez returned to the home to see his girlfriend, leading to a further confrontation with Gutierrez. It was explained that Gutierrez’s earlier directive for Mendez-Perez to leave his bedroom was a significant trigger for the subsequent stabbing.
The defense, represented by attorney Emily Roberts, argued that her client did not have the intention to kill Gutierrez, describing him as emotional and devastated by the incident. She emphasized the importance of distinguishing between the act of stabbing and the intent behind it, which is central to the defense’s position in the trial.
Gutierrez’s blood alcohol content at the time of the incident was reported to be .317, which is four times the legal limit, possibly impacting the dynamics of the confrontation. Body camera footage from the Chattanooga Police Department was presented in court, revealing the scene of Gutierrez’s death, with his body appearing covered in blood on the floor of his bedroom.
The trial is set to resume on Wednesday morning, as both sides prepare to navigate the complexities of the case which involves serious questions of intent and the circumstances surrounding the tragic event.
FAQ
What charges does Edwin Aldo Mendez-Perez face?
Mendez-Perez is charged with first-degree murder and aggravated burglary.
What is the context of the fatal stabbing?
Mendez-Perez is accused of fatally stabbing 28-year-old Rosalio Gomez-Gutierrez on November 26, 2023. He allegedly used a key to enter his girlfriend’s home and is accused of stabbing Gutierrez in critical areas.
What happened after the incident?
Following the incident, he allegedly disposed of the murder weapon and fled to Wyoming, Michigan, where he was later arrested.
Key Features of the Trial
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Charges | First-degree murder and aggravated burglary |
| Victim | Rosalio Gomez-Gutierrez (28 years old) |
| Incident Date | November 26, 2023 |
| Location | 2001 Garfield St, Chattanooga, Tennessee |
| Subsequent Action | Mendez-Perez fled to Wyoming, Michigan; later arrested |
| Blood Alcohol Content of Victim | .317 (four times the legal limit) |
| Next Trial Date | Wednesday morning |
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Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: Man Stands Trial for Fatal 2023 Chattanooga Stabbing
- WCPO: Hamilton County Prosecutor Won’t Challenge Evidence Ruling in Elwood Jones Murder Case
- WTHR: Hearing for Man Charged in 1992 Murder Reveals Grand Jury Findings
- Wikipedia: Murder
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Murder
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
