Man arrested for homicide after shooting in Custer home

A 43-year-old man was booked into Whatcom County Jail for second-degree murder after a fight broke out in a Custer home the night of January 11.

Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) deputies were responding to a 10:27 p.m. call about a physical domestic incident in the 8300 block of Valley View Road in Custer when a ‘shots fired’ follow-up report was made, according to WCSO spokesperson Deb Slater.

Deputies found Angel Rodriguez, 52, dead from multiple gunshot wounds when they entered the home. WCSO deputies learned both Rodriguez and Valentin Rivera, 43, were intoxicated and had been in a verbal argument. Witnesses told deputies that Rivera attempted to stop Rodriguez from driving under the influence, which led to Rivera allegedly shooting Rodriguez. The witnesses also said Rivera was known to carry a gun in the house, and he had consumed four shots of tequila and a beer, according to the affidavit of probable (APC) cause filed in Whatcom County Superior Court.

WCSO also found Rivera had allegedly assaulted two other victims in the altercation, one of whom was transported to the hospital for stitches, according to the APC.

Rivera was transported to PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham, where he was medically cleared, before being booked into Whatcom County Jail early on January 12 for second-degree murder. Rivera was also charged with second-degree assault and fourth-degree assault, both with domestic violence enhancements.

Rivera’s preliminary appearance was January 13 in Whatcom County Superior Court. As of January 15, Rivera is being held in jail in lieu of $2 million bail.

A search of state court records shows Rivera does not appear to have been arrested for a previous felony in Washington state.

If you or someone you know is affected by domestic or sexual violence, the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services (DVSAS) 24-hour hotline is available at 360/715-1563 or 877/715-1563. Lummi Victims of Crime has a 24-hour helpline at 360/312-2015.

This article was updated at 4:40 p.m. January 15 with information that appeared in the print issue of the newspaper.