In the quiet town of Fayette, Missouri, a heartbreaking incident unfolded on the evening of February 20, 2021, resulting in the death of 15-year-old Kevin Cash Valencia. The male teenager was at his home when he was struck by a bullet from a rifle. Initially, the Fayette Police Department treated the shooting as a tragic accident. The community was deeply affected by the loss of the Fayette High School freshman, who was known as a dedicated athlete.
The investigation into the young man's
death continued, and just over a week later, his father, Eddie Martin Valencia, was arrested. He was subsequently charged with first-degree involuntary manslaughter. According to official statements, Eddie Valencia claimed he was checking his. 308-caliber rifle and intended to 'dry fire' it when the weapon discharged. He asserted that he did not check to see if the firearm was loaded because they were never put away in that condition.
Further details emerged during the legal proceedings. It was revealed that Eddie Valencia had initially told law enforcement he had not consumed alcohol on the day of the incident and had refused a breathalyzer test. However, medical records showed that two hours after the shooting, his blood-alcohol level was 0.134, which is above the legal limit. He later admitted that he had been drinking.
In April 2022, Eddie Martin Valencia pleaded guilty to the charge of first-degree involuntary manslaughter. He was handed a suspended five-year sentence in the Missouri Department of Corrections and was ordered to serve 10 days of shock detention in the county jail, followed by five years of probation. As part of his sentence, he is prohibited from consuming alcohol and possessing firearms.
