Death of Dade Correctional Institution inmate Ariel Gutierrez prompts law enforcement review and medical examiner confirmation

Investigation opened after inmate’s death at state prison in Miami-Dade County

Law enforcement authorities have opened an investigation following the death of an inmate at Dade Correctional Institution, a Florida state prison in the Florida City area of southern Miami-Dade County.

The inmate, Ariel Gutierrez, died on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 5:42 a.m., according to confirmation from the Miami-Dade Medical Examiner’s Office. The office also confirmed that Gutierrez’s closest family member was notified.

In the days after the death, Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office crime scene investigators were observed at the facility on Friday night, February 6, 2026. The sheriff’s office directed inquiries to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), indicating the state agency is involved in reviewing the circumstances surrounding the death.

What is known about Gutierrez and his custody status

Publicly accessible online custody records were updated to reflect Gutierrez’s status as deceased. The same records indicated Gutierrez was 58 years old and was serving an 11-year sentence at the time of his death.

Those records also showed a long incarceration history, with the most recent conviction tied to a 2019 case involving burglary and grand theft. Authorities have not released additional case details connected to the death, and no cause of death has been made public.

FDLE role and typical process in prison-death investigations

FDLE’s involvement generally signals an external investigative review beyond routine institutional reporting. In cases involving deaths in custody, separate tracks can unfold at the same time: a criminal investigation assessing whether any conduct may have contributed to the death, and a medical-legal investigation led by the medical examiner to determine cause and manner of death.

As of Monday, February 9, 2026, FDLE had not publicly provided further details about the investigation into Gutierrez’s death.

Facility scrutiny and recent enforcement actions involving Dade Correctional Institution

Dade Correctional Institution has been the focus of heightened attention in prior incidents. In August 2025, multiple Florida correctional officers were arrested in connection with allegations that inmate Christopher Castro was beaten and that officials attempted to conceal what happened. In that case, publicly reported charges included battery on an inmate, tampering with evidence, failure to report abuse, and perjury.

Separately, in November 2025, an inmate at Dade Correctional Institution faced new criminal allegations after an officer was stabbed, underscoring the security pressures inside the facility as well as the risks to staff.

Key facts at a glance

• Ariel Gutierrez, 58, died at Dade Correctional Institution on February 4, 2026, at 5:42 a.m.
• The Miami-Dade Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed the death and that the closest family member was notified.
• Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office crime scene investigators were seen at the prison on February 6, 2026.
• FDLE is involved; no public details have been released on cause of death or investigative findings.

The investigation remains active, and authorities have not released additional information about the circumstances of Gutierrez’s death.