Guerra, Juan Carlos (1971-1987)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 5 Mar 1987 p. 10

Birth date:

text of obituary:

Newton Youth Found Murdered; Police Charge Suspect

Newton, Kan. — Law enforcement officials have charged a Newton man with first-degree murder in the shooting death of a 16-year-old Newton youth whose body was found around noon Feb. 23 along the banks of the Little Arkansas River, three miles northwest of Halstead.

John E. Gilley, Jr., is being held on $1 million bond for the death of Juan Carlos Guerra, who died of a small caliber gunshot wound to the chest.

Eighteen-year-old Derek Madsen, Newton, is under investigation in possible connection with the murder of Guerra and has been arraigned on several counts of burglary and felony theft.

A motive for the slaying remains unclear, officials say, although they are looking into the possibility that the killing was motivated by a disagreement between Guerra and the two suspects, all believed to be involved in a residential and business burglary ring operating in the Newton area.

A native of Cuba, Guerra had lived in Newton since 1980, when he came to the U.S. with members of his family under the sponsorship of the Koerner Heights Church of the Mennonite Brethren, Newton.

Funeral services for Guerra were held Feb. 25 at the church. Survivors include five Brothers and six sisters.