In a California courtroom, emotions soared as the convicted killer faced the family of his victim during his sentencing. Israel Trevino III, the son of the victim, Israel Trevino Jr., lashed out in anger, shouting threats at the killer, Joe Gomez Jr., who had been sentenced to life in prison for his father’s death.
The Emotional Outburst in the Courtroom
At the sentencing, which was captured on video by local ABC affiliate KFSN, Trevino III screamed at Gomez, shouting, “That was my dad! Motherf—er! I’m going to f—ing hunt you, and when you come out, I’m going to eat your f—ing heart!”
Trevino was visibly enraged as he confronted Gomez, who had killed his father and shot him on May 2, 2021. Before the outburst, Gomez appeared to give a thumbs-up to a camera, a move that seemed to further ignite Trevino’s anger.
Trevino continued his angry rant, asking Gomez, “You couldn’t take me, huh? Huh, motherf—er?” Deputies quickly intervened and escorted Gomez out of the courtroom as Trevino’s fury intensified.
Judge Arlan Harrell addressed Trevino after the outburst, saying, “You have every right to let it out. But please do not take it out on these people who are here doing their job. OK?”
The Incident That Led to the Sentencing
Joe Gomez Jr., 63, shot and killed Israel Trevino Jr., 57, outside his home in Parlier, a small city near Fresno. Gomez also shot Trevino III, who survived the attack. Gomez claimed that the shooting was in self-defense. However, he was charged with murder, attempted murder, and assault. He pleaded not guilty to the charges.
During the trial, Deputy District Attorney Nicole Idiart explained that Gomez had pulled out a firearm and pointed it at Trevino Jr. after an argument. Trevino Jr. had rushed towards Gomez, at which point he was fatally shot.
Trevino III testified during the trial, recounting how he nearly died after being hit by several bullets. He explained, “I got shot in the belly, twice in the belly, twice in the pelvis, and once in the eye.”
Conflicting Claims and Trial Details
Before the shooting, Gomez had reportedly been driving around the block and revving his engine. He then confronted the father and son, allegedly telling them that Israel Trevino Sr. had been making threats on Facebook. However, Trevino Sr. denied using social media or making threats.
During the trial, Gomez’s defense team argued that he had acted in self-defense, claiming that he was “being pushed and knocked down” before he opened fire. Defense attorney Tony Capozzi suggested that Gomez’s gun went off while he was being knocked down.
Judge Harrell commented during the sentencing that the motive behind the killing had never been fully explained or revealed during the trial. “The big question is, ‘Why?’ It’s never been addressed. It’s never been answered,” Harrell said.
Gomez’s Appeal Plans
After being sentenced to life in prison, Gomez expressed his intention to file an appeal. He told the court that his constitutional rights to a fair and impartial trial had been violated due to the suppression of evidence.
He also mentioned that perjury was involved in his conviction. However, Judge Harrell denied his request for a new trial. Gomez now has 60 days to file an official appeal.
The case has brought out strong emotions from the victim’s family, especially Israel Trevino III, whose anger and pain were on full display during the courtroom confrontation.
The unresolved questions about the motive behind the shooting, combined with the legal arguments and emotional outbursts, make this case a tragic and complicated one. With an appeal on the horizon, the story is far from over, and the family of Israel Trevino Jr. continues to seek justice.
