Custer man pleads not guilty to homicide, assault in early January

Valentin Rivera, a 43-year-old man from Custer, has entered a not guilty plea to charges of second-degree murder and two counts of assault related to the shooting death of Angel Rodriguez, aged 52, on January 11. The altercation reportedly began over concerns regarding Rodriguez's intoxication and escalated into violence, with Rivera's wife and daughter also becoming victims of his assaults. When deputies arrived at the scene following a domestic violence call, they discovered Rodriguez dead in a closet with multiple gunshot wounds, while Rivera was found unresponsive on the floor with a handgun beneath his head. Rivera and his wife were both hospitalized for injuries before he was booked into Whatcom County Jail, where he remains with a bail set at $2 million. The court documents detail the chaotic circumstances surrounding the incident, highlighting the intense domestic situation that led to the tragedy.

Rivera's next court appearance is scheduled for February 19, 2025, as the case continues to unfold in Whatcom County Superior Court. The incident raises significant concerns about domestic violence and gun-related crimes in the region, underscoring the urgent need for community awareness and intervention. The case is being reported by Annie Todd, a credible source in criminal justice reporting.