Sales Rep in Custody: Allegedly Murdered a Coworker at Northgate Mall
SAN RAFAEL, CA — A 20-year-old Richmond man allegedly murdered a co-worker near the Northgate Dental offices at the Northgate Mall. Justin A. Gutierrez-Navarette has remained in police custody since his arrest on October 12.
First responders found the victim on the same day shortly after 1 p.m. Mathew R. Lambin, 27, of San Rafael, was unconscious and suffering from stab wounds. Paramedics provided first aid at the scene, before the victim was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Gutierrez-Navarette was booked into Marin County Jail at 8:06 p.m. He is being held on suspicion of first-degree murder.
“The incident stemmed from an ongoing dispute between two employees,” San Rafael police said in a prepared statement without identifying the employer. “It escalated into a physical altercation and fatal stabbing. Following the altercation the victim fled through the rear entrance of the business, before collapsing outside.”
Based on the suspect’s clothing, investigators determined the suspect was a sales representative for a business located at the shopping center. Gutierrez-Navarette later contacted San Rafael police and arranged to surrendered himself without further incident.
“Gutierrez-Navarette cooperated with detectives and he was interviewed regarding his involvement in the incident,” according to San Rafael police. He was placed under arrest at San Rafael police headquarters on Fifth Avenue.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about this crime can call San Rafael police at 415-485-3000.
– by Jim Emerson
Photo: Stock Image
