Israel Trevino II and Izzy Trevino III at 2019 Tejano Conjunto Music Festival in San Antonio, Texas (Photo: Mariaelena Villarreal / Tejano Nation)
As the second day of the murder trial of Israel Trevino Jr., bass player for the California-based Conjunto band Los Hooligans, unfolds, the community of Parlier and fans worldwide are gripped with the details emerging from the courtroom. The trial, which has captured the attention of the Conjunto music scene, digs into the events leading to the tragic loss of a musician whose life was deeply rooted with the Conjunto genre.
Joe Gomez Jr. is accused of killing Trevino, a former state corrections officer and bass player for the conjunto band. The incident occurred on May 2, 2021, during an altercation at a home in Parlier, California. Gomez faces charges of murder, attempted murder, and assault with a deadly weapon. The second day of the trial on Tuesday included testimonies from forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Chambliss, who detailed the fatal gunshot wounds, and several family members who witnessed the event, according to gvwire.com.
The first day of the trial on Monday revealed that Gomez had been seen passing by the Trevino home several times, revving his engine. A confrontation broke out when Gomez exited his car, involving Israel Trevino Jr. and his son and bandmate, Izzy Trevino III. Gomez reportedly fired his gun at both the father and son, resulting in the death of Trevino Jr. and critical injuries to Izzy Trevino.
The defense argues that Gomez acted in self-defense, while the prosecution presents evidence of Gomez’s aggressive behavior leading up to the shooting. The trial also features testimonies from neighbors and witnesses who provide varying accounts of the incident.
The prosecution challenged the defense’s narrative of self-defense, highlighting inconsistencies and questioning the motives behind the altercation. The jury, faced with contrasting accounts, is tasked with piecing together the truth amidst the grief and complexity of the case.
The untimely death of Israel Trevino Jr. has left a void in the hearts of many, including his fellow band members, family, and fanbase. Los Hooligans established a unique sound within the Conjunto music scene with the release of their debut album in 2011. The memory of Israel Trevino Jr. is honored through the music he left behind.
Stay tuned for further updates as the trial progresses and get full details on daily testimony at gvwire.com.
Follow Tejano Nation on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram, and subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with everything Tejano. Listen to new Tejano music first with our Spotify playlists and iHeartRadio podcast.