CUSTER, Wash. — The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office released the following statement regarding the arrest and subsequent murder and assault charges against a Custer man.
On Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, at approximately 10:27 p.m., the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported physical domestic incident in the 8300 block of Valley View Road, Custer. While en route, dispatchers received a subsequent report of “shots fired” at the residence, prompting a multi-agency response.
Upon arrival, deputies entered the residence and discovered a deceased male, later identified as 52-year-old [victim 1 – name redacted for victim’s and victim’s family’s privacy], with multiple gunshot wounds. A preliminary investigation revealed that a verbal argument had escalated between 43-year-old Valentin Rivera and [victim 1], who were reportedly intoxicated. Witnesses reported that Rivera attempted to stop [victim 1] from driving due to his intoxication, leading to an altercation in which Rivera allegedly shot [victim 1].
Rivera was transported to PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center for examination. He was medically cleared and booked into jail.
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Click for more informationThe investigation also revealed probable cause to arrest Rivera for Domestic Violence (DV) Assault against two additional victims during the altercation. Medical personnel treated these victims at the scene, and one was transported to the hospital for further treatment.
Rivera was taken into custody and booked into the Whatcom County Jail on charges of:
- Murder 2nd Degree for the death of [victim 1]
- Assault 2nd Degree – DV for the assault of [victim 2]
- Assault 4th Degree – DV for the assault of [victim 3]
This is an active investigation.
– Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (January 13, 2025)
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