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Investigation underway after deadly shooting near Blaine, WA

By
Published  January 15, 2025 3:03pm PST
Whatcom County
FOX 13 Seattle

The Brief

    • Deputies are investigating a deadly shooting that occurred after a drunken argument near Blaine, Washington.
    • Witnesses say the two were arguing about the victim being too drunk to drive.
    • The suspect also assaulted two other people during the incident.

WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. - Deputies are investigating a deadly shooting that happened near Blaine, Washington over the weekend. 

What we know:

According to the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO), on Saturday, Jan. 11 at around 10:27 p.m., deputies responded to reports of a domestic violence incident in the 8300 block of Valley View Road in Custer, Washington. 

While deputies were on their way, dispatchers received another 911 call reporting shots fired. When deputies arrived, they found 52-year-old Angel Rodriguez dead with multiple gunshot wounds. 

What they're saying:

Investigators say a verbal argument had escalated between Rodriguez and 43-year-old Valentin Rivera. Witnesses reported that the two had been drinking, and the argument began when Rivera tried to prevent Rodriguez from driving drunk. The altercation led to Rivera allegedly shooting Rodriguez.

The investigation also revealed probable cause to arrest Rivera for assaulting two additional victims during the domestic dispute. Both were treated at the scene, and one was taken to a nearby hospital for further treatment.

What's next:

Rivera was taken to PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center for examination. After being cleared, he was booked into the Whatcom County Jail, where he faces charges of second-degree murder and second- and fourth-degree domestic violence assault.

The WCSO says the investigation is ongoing. 

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

The Source: Information for this story came from a press release by the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office.

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