RIGBY, Idaho — A confrontation outside an Idaho home turned deadly Sunday afternoon when a 22-year-old Nebraska man allegedly shot and killed a Texas man while holding his young daughter, according to police and court documents.
The incident happened on Sunday, Aug. 23, outside a residence on Ashlynn Way in Rigby, a small community about 15 miles northeast of Idaho Falls.
The Rigby Police Department identified the suspect as Tristin John Chase, 22, who is accused of one count of second-degree murder in connection with the death of 43-year-old Rafael Valles.
Officers were called to the home after receiving a report that a man had been shot in the head.
When police arrived, they found one woman crying while holding a child and another woman performing CPR on Valles. Officers asked where the firearm was, and both women allegedly responded, “He took it with him.”
The women also reportedly identified Chase as the shooter.
Police Say Chase Fled After Shooting
Authorities said a pool of blood was forming beneath Valles’ neck when officers took over lifesaving efforts. Despite those efforts, Valles was pronounced dead at the scene.
While emergency personnel were attempting to save Valles, Chase allegedly called one of the women at the residence. According to police, the woman handed the phone to a Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office deputy, who asked Chase where he was.
Chase allegedly told the deputy that he was “freaking out” and driving around to catch his breath. He reportedly said he intended to continue driving for a while.
The deputy asked about Chase’s young daughter, and authorities say Chase was told that she was okay. The suspect later allegedly asked whether Valles had actually been shot.
Suspect Allegedly Says Shooting Was Not Intentional
During the phone conversation, Chase allegedly made a statement about the shooting.
“I didn’t even f—ing mean to shoot, I don’t even know how my gun shot,” Chase allegedly told the deputy. After a period of silence, police said Chase ended the call.
He later called back and allegedly told the deputy that he did not mean for the incident to happen and claimed he had told Valles to leave multiple times.
Investigators, however, later reviewed text messages allegedly sent by Chase to one of the women. According to the charging document, those messages included threats toward Valles.
The conflicting details are now part of the investigation and criminal case against Chase.
Argument Began Before Fatal Gunfire
According to investigators, Chase had reportedly been at the residence the previous night despite being unwanted and allegedly refused to leave.
The following morning, Chase reportedly left to get milk for his daughter. The women at the residence initially locked him out when he returned but eventually allowed him back inside, police said.
Meanwhile, Valles was reportedly aware of what was happening. After he had not heard from one of the women for about two hours, authorities say he went to the home to check on the situation.
The two men then allegedly argued in the front yard.
One of the women told investigators that Chase pulled a gun from his waistband while holding his daughter. She said the child was “in the path of being shot,” prompting Valles to allegedly attempt to disarm Chase.
Two shots were then fired.
Ring Camera Captures Chaotic Moments
According to police, one of the women immediately took hold of the child after the shooting. She allegedly shouted, “You have a gun?” as Chase fled the scene.
Audio recorded by a Ring camera at the residence also captured the aftermath. Someone can reportedly be heard shouting “call 911!”, while a woman says, “Mom, he’s dead.”
The recording is among the evidence investigators are reviewing as they piece together the moments leading up to the fatal shooting. Police have not indicated that Valles was armed when he was shot.
Chase Arrested During Traffic Stop
The manhunt did not last long. Just before 1 p.m. Sunday, Chase was arrested during a traffic stop, according to authorities. He is now being held at the Jefferson County Jail on $750,000 bond.
Chase is scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 3.
The second-degree murder charge remains an allegation, and the case will proceed through the court system as investigators and prosecutors examine the shooting, the witness statements, phone conversation, text messages and surveillance evidence.
The case has also raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the confrontation and the presence of Chase’s young daughter during the shooting.
What do you think about the details emerging in this Idaho shooting case? Share your thoughts in the comments.
