Israel Trevino II and Izzy Trevino III at 2019 Tejano Conjunto Music Festival in San Antonio, Texas (Photo: Mariaelena Villarreal / Tejano Nation)
The murder trial of Joe Gomez Jr. has captured the attention of the Conjunto music community, as it delves into the tragic death of Israel Trevino Jr., a retired corrections officer and bass player for the California-based Conjunto band, Los Hooligans. The trial, which began on Monday (July 8), at Fresno County Superior Court, sees Gomez claiming self-defense in the fatal shooting of Trevino on May 2, 2021.
The Trevino family are three generations of Conjunto musicians forming Los Hooligans in 2011 releasing a debut album the same year. The group were planning to release a new album before the tragic loss of Israel Trevino Jr with another album in the works.
Trevino and his son, Izzy Trevino III, got in an argument with Gomez in Parlier, California on that tragic day. The man shot the father and son multiple times. 57-year-old Israel died at the scene and Izzy was hospitalized in critical but stable condition. The Fresno County Sheriff’s Department arrested Gomez after he fled the scene.
During the trial, three members of the Trevino family testified, recounting the events leading up to the shooting, according to gvwire.com. The prosecution stated Gomez had been driving by the Trevino home multiple times, revving his engine, which led to a confrontation. Gomez, who is charged with first-degree murder, attempted murder, and assault with a deadly weapon, argues that he acted in self-defense when Trevino Jr. allegedly rushed at him.
Opening remarks in Joe Gomez Jr Murder Trial
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Read the testimony from the first day of the trial at gvwire.com.
The case has not only highlighted the tragic loss of a beloved musician but also sparked discussions about self-defense laws and their implications. As the trial continues, the Conjunto music community mourns the loss of Israel Trevino Jr. and awaits the outcome of the murder trial for a figure who played a pivotal role in the legacy of Los Hooligans.
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