An Albert Lea man was arrested Saturday for allegedly killing an 18-month-old boy, but police are awaiting autopsy results before filing charges.

Monday, April 23, 2001

An Albert Lea man was arrested Saturday for allegedly killing an 18-month-old boy, but police are awaiting autopsy results before filing charges.

Paul Gutierrez, 26, of 525 Johnson is a part-time resident of the home, police said. He is the primary suspect in the apparent murder. The child’s name is being withheld pending notification of relatives, police said.

He was arrested for homicide &uot;based on exterior observations of the child,&uot; said Freeborn County Attorney Craig Nelson.

Police believe the death may have been the result of an abuse situation, but could not comment on the investigation.

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) is investigating the case, and expects autopsy results as early as Tuesday afternoon.

Police were notified of the death Saturday morning around 10:30, said Albert Lea Assistant Police Chief Dwaine Winkels. Naeve Hospital reported the child had been brought in, dead on arrival.

Police received a 911 hangup from the residence just before the call for assistance from the hospital, Winkels said.