Homicide in Custer: Investigation Underway

Late Saturday night (Jan. 11), the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office responded to a domestic disturbance on Valley View Road in Custer that took a tragic turn.

Deputies arrived to find 52-year-old Angel Rodriguez deceased from multiple gunshot wounds. Witnesses say the incident began as a heated argument between Rodriguez and 43-year-old Valentin Rivera, reportedly over stopping Rodriguez from driving while intoxicated. Things escalated, and Rivera allegedly shot Rodriguez during the altercation.

But that’s not all—Rivera also faces charges of assaulting two others at the scene. Both were treated by medical personnel, with one transported to the hospital for further care.

Rivera was medically cleared at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center before being booked into Whatcom County Jail on some heavy charges:

• Murder 2nd Degree

• Assault 2nd Degree – Domestic Violence

• Assault 4th Degree – Domestic Violence

Facebook post from the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office here.