In the early morning hours of November 2, 2024, the life of 36-year-old Chad Medlin, a male resident of Eau Claire, Michigan, was tragically cut short. Medlin, an off-duty firefighter and U.S. Army veteran, was shot and killed near the intersection of Main and Elm Streets in his hometown. Another man was wounded in the incident but sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The shooting occurred just before 1 a.m.
outside the Hometown Bar and Grill.
Authorities swiftly identified a suspect in the fatal shooting. Rigoberto Gomez, a 47-year-old from Eau Claire, was arrested in connection with Medlin's death. He was subsequently charged with murder. Another individual, 43-year-old Elizabeth Harper of Stevensville, was also implicated in the aftermath of the crime. Harper was charged with being an accessory after the fact and tampering with evidence. Reports indicate that Gomez allegedly hid the gun in its case outside Harper's home after she gave him a ride from a friend's house following the shooting. Harper later told authorities she panicked, retrieved the gun case from her property, and threw it into the woods.
The trial of Rigoberto Gomez for the murder of Chad Medlin began, with the prosecution presenting physical evidence and witness testimony. Body camera footage from the first responding officer was shown to the jury, capturing the emotional scene. The prosecution also presented the alleged murder weapon, a handgun, and a copper shell casing found at the scene. A crime lab technician testified that a fingerprint found on the gun's magazine was a match to Gomez's right thumb.
Further evidence presented during the trial included ballistics analysis and DNA findings. A tool mark examiner testified that the gun admitted into evidence was the same one that fired a projectile recovered from the second victim's arm. A forensic scientist's report indicated a high likelihood that Gomez's DNA was present on evidence collected. Security footage from businesses near the scene of the shooting was also compiled and presented to the court. As the trial continues, the prosecution is building its case against Gomez, while the community remembers Chad Medlin as a dedicated firefighter, veteran, and loving father.
