On Saturday night, January 11, 2025, around 10:27 PM, the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call about a domestic dispute in the 8300 block of Valley View Road, Custer. While deputies were on their way, they received another report about “shots fired” at the same location, prompting a swift response from multiple law enforcement agencies.
When deputies arrived at the scene, they entered the house and found a man dead, later identified as 52-year-old Angel Rodriguez. He had multiple gunshot wounds. According to the initial investigation, a verbal argument broke out between 43-year-old Valentin Rivera and Rodriguez, both of whom were believed to be intoxicated.
Witnesses told investigators that Rivera tried to stop Rodriguez from driving because he was drunk. This led to a fight, during which Rivera allegedly shot Rodriguez. After the shooting, Rivera was taken to PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center for medical treatment.
Once cleared by doctors, Rivera was arrested and taken to jail. The investigation revealed that Rivera also assaulted two other people during the altercation. Medical teams treated these victims at the scene, and one was later taken to the hospital for further care.
Rivera was booked into the Whatcom County Jail, facing charges of Second-Degree Murder for the death of Angel Rodriguez, as well as Domestic Violence Assault in the Second and Fourth Degrees. The case remains under investigation.
(Source : newsbreak.com)
