Crystal Gutierrez, Weekend Anchor & Reporter

Reporter - Email Twitter Facebook

I grew up in Socorro, New Mexico and spent many summers and weekends in Albuquerque visiting my grandmother, uncles, aunts and cousins. I’m happy to be home covering the news that impacts New Mexicans.

I graduated from New Mexico State University with a B.A. in Journalism and Mass Communications.

I’ve worked in news behind the scenes and in front of the camera since I was a teenager. My reporting career started in El Paso, Texas where I covered all sides of the illegal immigration debate.

I was there when cartel violence erupted in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. Mexican federal soldiers were sent in. My extensive coverage of the border city violence included interviews with experts on why two cartels were fighting over the Juarez corridor. Other stories included the deaths of Mexican police officers who were targets of a hit list and reported live from an El Paso hospital on lockdown because of the patients inside.

I’ve covered presidential elections, including campaign visits by the Clintons and President Barack Obama.

The story that had the most impact on my life was a story about a teenage boy diagnosed with cancer. He had started planning his Star Wars themed funeral. When I interviewed the brave young man, he was noticeably in a lot of pain yet didn’t wallow in pity. Instead, he wanted to thank those who had helped his family. Being a mother, that story was the hardest but most rewarding to tell. I love reporting because I can bring someone’s story to life.

When I am not chasing news stories, I enjoy spending time with my daughter.