State dismisses Laday Arena murder case, DA says it’s not over

Jefferson County— The Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office says it has dismissed the murder case against a man accused of the Laday Arena shooting on Easter morning 2023, but the district attorney says they plan to continue the investigation.

In 2023, “JJ” Gutierrez, then 25 years old, was indicted and charged with murder on Sunday, April 9, 2023, when he shot and killed Javoris Potier, 30, at Boyt Road Stadium in Cheek, during a Zydeco concert after a trail ride.

Investigators say Potier was shot in the abdomen while trying to break up a fight between women in the Galveston County area. He died in a hospital. Another victim, a 37-year-old man, was shot in the leg.

“The Sheriff’s Department did an excellent job investigating this case,” District Attorney Keith Giblin told KFDM/Fox 4 News. “We also called numerous witnesses to testify before the grand jury to obtain further evidence. However, after reviewing the case, prosecutors concluded that more investigative work needed to be done. “Prosecutors dismissed the case to allow more time to obtain this much-needed evidence so the case can be refiled and effectively presented to a jury.”

KFDM also reached out to defense attorney Ryan Gertz.

“We are very pleased with the outcome of this case,” Gertz said. “These cases are complex and difficult for everyone involved. Good and decent prosecutors, like this one, carefully evaluate the evidence in a case and we appreciate the favorable determination. The Gutiérrez family is very grateful to the State and the Court for the handling of this matter. “