Left inset: victim Valentin Gonzales IV. Main: convicted killer Jordan Eaton pictured in custody (KSAT).
Years after a Texas husband and father of eight was murdered in front of his wife for petting a then 18-year-old neighbor’s dog in San Antonio, his killer was sentenced Wednesday to at least two decades in state prison.
Five days after Christmas in 2021, 28-year-old Valentin Gonzales IV and his wife Brittney Clark-Gonzales saw a dog off of its leash outside the Branch at Medical Center apartment complex and decided to pet the canine. Moments later, Jordan Eaton, now 21, emerged angry, armed with a gun, and spewed expletives at the couple before trying to shoot Clark-Gonzales and then fatally shooting her husband as the victim tried to protect her.
A devastated Clark-Gonzales tearfully said in the aftermath of the shooting that Eaton had said “you can’t touch my dog! I don’t f— with you, I don’t f— with any of you,” local ABC affiliate KSAT reported.
Though Eaton fled the scene and later claimed self-defense, witness cellphone video showed him opening fire at Clark-Gonzales and Valentin Gonzales throwing a punch at Eaton in response.
Witness cellphone video aired on the news shows Jordan Eaton opening fire (KSAT).
At trial, Eaton reportedly claimed that he had “previous issues” with the victims and that he “tried not to acknowledge them,” but petting his puppy sent him over the edge.
“I just wanted them to leave me alone,” he reportedly said. “I didn’t want to shoot nobody.”
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But Eaton did shoot Valentin Gonzales, and a jury of his peers in Bexar County found him guilty of murder as a result. He was also convicted of aggravated assault for shooting at Clark-Gonzales.
Eaton’s family members begged for sentencing leniency so that the convicted killer could have a second chance and be a part of his own son’s life.
In the end, Eaton was sent to prison for 20 years for the murder of Gonzales and 10 years for the attack on Clark-Gonzales, but with the 10-year term was reportedly “probated” or to be served on probation.
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Gonzales’ obituary remembered him as a “caring” and generous man who loved his family.
“He accomplished so many incredible things such attended college at the age of 15 and providing for his family that he loved so much. He was married at and attended the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints where he was also a member of the Elders Quorum. His capacity for generosity knew no bounds as he was someone who would give to anyone in need,” the obit said. “He inspired those around him to be a better person. He loved his family and especially loved the memories made together with them. Valentin brought immense joy to those around him. We loved his caring ways, and he will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.”
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