T’Naus Nieto
The Chronicle-News

Affidavit uncovers alleged circumstances which led to victim’s death

Trinidad homicide suspect Bill Blatnick, 61, who allegedly threw a man over the railing of the Cedar St. Bridge near Cimino Park during a fight, eventually leading to the victim’s death, pleaded not guilty during his arraignment hearing last Wednesday, Mar. 5, 2025, setting up jury trials throughout August, beginning on the 19th at the Las Animas County Courthouse.

Background 

As previously reported, back on Aug. 6, 2024, all of Trinidad’s emergency services responded to a report of a person “falling” from the Cedar St. Bridge, east of the local McDonalds, near Cimino Park.

The incident left Troy Gutierrez in critical condition, suffering serious injuries. Medical personnel sent Guiterrez flight-for-life to Colorado Springs, and Blatnick was initially charged with first- and second-degree assault, class three and four felonies, respectively after authorities spoke with witnesses.

However, Guiterrez eventually succumbed to his injuries, dying on Aug. 13, 2024, at the age of 63 in the UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central in Colorado Springs, according to his obituary.

The court filings (complaint and information) showed that Blatnick was later charged with two new counts, manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide, class four and five felonies, respectively. Colorado has six classes of felonies, with class one being the most severe, according to the Colorado Department of Human Services.

The court filing said, regarding the manslaughter charge, “On or about Aug. 6, 2024, Bill Buford Blatnick unlawfully, feloniously, and recklessly caused the death of Troy Anthony Gutierrez.”

Fight on the bridge 

The affidavit’s narrative revealed that the officer who responded to the incident was able to view a recording of the fight between Blatnick and Guterriez and described the bout in detail.

The narrative stated that the officer viewed the two, Blatnick and Guterriez, in the video having a “physical” altercation.

The narrative said, “Both are standing on the concrete sidewalk (on the bridge) as the recording begins. Troy strikes Bill, knocking him to the ground… This short

appears to be defective as [it] cuts to both Bill and Troy actively fighting near the green in color railing, grabbing each other, (and) trying to maneuver themselves in position for effective strikes and blows. Each appears to strike the other numerous times, and each appears to receive injury due to the strikes… Bill successfully strikes Troy with an ‘uppercut’ strikes using his right hand…striking Troy near his face or lower jaw area. Troy is trying to keep Bill at arm’s length, keeping his head down in a defensive posture, as it is apparent (that) Bill is stronger than Troy. I witness Bill actually has control of Troy’s head once the camera angle changes, having a grip on Troy’s left ear and the left side of his face. I observe Troy to be bleeding from the top of his head as Bill successfully strikes Troy again in the face and head. Bill is using his strength to keep Troy pinned against the railing, holding constant pressure on Troy to keep control of him. Troy [attempts] to strike Bill, which seems to be successful as Bill’s glasses are removed. Troy receives numerous strikes from Bill as Troy uses the railing to keep his feet under him while Bill keeps control of Troy’s head.

“Bill is trying to use his strength to force Troy over the railing as numerous attempts are observed during the video, forcing his arms quickly out and away from his body and into Troy. Troy attempts a strike at Bill and appears to lose his balance. Bill is able to capitalize on this and uses both arms and his strength to force Troy into and ultimately over the railing.”

The officer noted that the metal railing on the bridge was approximately four feet high. As Blatnick “forced” Guterriez over the railing, Guterriez managed to hold Blatnick and drag him down with him.

According to the officer, the two plummet around six feet to the first level below the bridge and roll down a slope another three or four feet before falling further another two.

“Troy still has a hold of Bill as Bill rotates his body while falling down the final step. Bill is able to control Troy [with] what appears to be his head as they both go over the final step. Bill appears to pull Troy over the top of him using his right arm wrapped around Troy’s head and neck. Both fall into green brush as Bill appears to land on top of Troy’s head and neck. The video shows Troy ending up underneath Bill, with Bill’s right arm still wrapped around Troy’s head and neck. Bill is able to stand to his feet with Troy underneath him, exposing his head as Bill stands.”

The officer described the video indicating that Guterriez’s head was caught underneath Blatnick. Reportedly, Blatnick stood above his fallen opponent while Guterriez remained on the ground.

The officer stated, “Bill stands up, and Troy is lying on his back, not moving with his arm contorted above his head and bent at the elbow. This is the exact position I find Troy upon my arrival.”

Aftermath 

The affidavit’s narrative noted that a witness, as seen in the video, attempts to intervene in the aftermath of the battle between Blatnick and Guterriez, as Blatnick exchanges words with him while climbing the embankment. The video did not contain audio at the time the affidavit was written. The officer noted that Blatnick left the scene in a silver truck, crossing the Cedar St. Bridge westbound.

“Upon my arrival, I was directed to an area which sits below the park and adjacent to the Purgatoire River… known as ‘the benches,’” The officer stated regarding his arrival at the scene. “Numerous parties congregate here almost on a daily basis… At this time, the park had numerous visitors all within close proximity who appeared to be quickly gathering their belongings as it was apparent they did not want anything to do with the situation.

“Troy’s eyes were open yet were not responding to me as I touched or spoke to him,” the officer stated. “ I believed Troy was possibly deceased on scene due to a broken neck…I [was] advised later during this incident (that) Trinidad medical personnel [were] able to [find] a pulse from Troy via their care interventions.”

The affidavit explained the severity of Guterriez’s injuries, with the attending physician during his flight-for-life confirming that he sustained an internal head injury. Staff at the Memorial Hospital told authorities that Guterriez was on life support, which included a ventilator.

The affidavit mentioned that Blatnick called the Trinidad Police Department later that evening, and allowed authorities to “peacefully” arrest him.

Future 

Since Guterrez’s passing, Blatnick faces serious felony charges, and since he pleaded not guilty, now has several upcoming court dates, with a motion hearing on Jul. 9 and jury trials set for August 19, 20, 21, 22, and 25, 2025.