Joel Valera found guilty of killing popular Parlier coach

ByRicky Courtney KFSN logo
Friday, August 31, 2018
Joel Valera found guilty of killing popular Parlier coach
Joel Valera was found guilty of first-degree murder in the death of his neighbor Artie Gomez in a Fresno courtroom Thursday.

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Joel Valera was found guilty of first-degree murder in the death of his neighbor Artie Gomez in a Fresno courtroom Thursday.

Valera killed Gomez, a popular Parlier coach, four years ago. He shot Gomez as his teenage sons and nephews prepared for a camping trip.

RELATED: Undocumented immigrant on trial for murder of popular Parlier coach

Valera was not in the courtroom when the verdict was read. The judge ordered him ejected earlier in the day because of his disruptive outbursts.

RELATED: Murder defendant's outbursts delay trial, but final decision is coming soon

Gomez's family cheered and then sobbed after the verdict was delivered, and at least one juror wiped away tears.

This story will be updated.