Shooting trial delayed

CLOVIS — The trial for the 2002 shooting death of Jose Valverde was slated to begin Monday in district court, but jury selection efforts pushed the start of proceedings to today.

Jury selection began at 10 a.m. Monday and was still in process as late as 4:30 p.m.

David Gutierrez, 35, is accused of shooting Valverde in his boxcar home, with court documents noting the killing was revenge for Valverde allegedly molesting a relative of Gutierrez’ wife.

Gutierrez is represented by attorney James Klipstine while the state’s case is being presented by District Attorney Andrea Reeb.

Judge Drew Tatum denied on Wednesday a request to put Gutierrez on an ankle bracelet so he could leave the Curry County Detention Center and have a splenectomy to treat a blood disorder.