Suspect in fatal Custer shooting formally charged with second-degree murder
Whatcom County authorities have charged 43-year-old Valentin Rivera with intentional second-degree murder and domestic violence-related assault in the second and fourth degree following a fatal shooting in a Custer home on Jan. 12.
Authorities were called to the 8300 block of Valley View Road in Custer around 10:30 p.m. after a witness reported hearing three “rapid-fire” gunshots followed by a single shot. When deputies from the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office arrived, they found Angel Rodriguez, 52, lying inside an open closet with multiple gunshot wounds.
According to court documents, Rivera, Rodriguez and two others had been drinking for about five hours. Rivera got into an argument with Rodriguez, who was his friend, after Rodriguez said he wanted to drive home. Rivera wanted him to stay because he was intoxicated.
A woman who lived in the home tried to step between the two of them, court records state, but was shoved against the wall by Rivera. When she tried to break up the fight again, she was pushed to the ground. She was later taken to the hospital for treatment.
Police found Rivera unresponsive in the hall with a handgun on the ground under his head, according to court documents. He was wearing a black leather holster on his hip, and there were multiple shell casings on the floor.
Rivera was taken to the hospital and later transferred to Whatcom County Jail on $2 million bail. His arraignment is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 24.
This story was originally published January 21, 2025 at 5:01 PM.