A former state corrections officer and bass player for a local band died from a bullet that went through his shoulder, severing his aorta and damaging a lung.

That was the testimony of Fresno County forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Chambliss. He took the stand Tuesday in the Joe Gomez Jr. murder trial.

Gomez faces three felony counts — murder, attempted murder, and assault with a deadly weapon. He is accused of shooting and killing Israel Trevino Jr. on May 2, 2021 at a home in Parlier.

Trevino played in the multi-generational Los Hooligans, a conjunto band known for its brand of Tex-Mex music in the Central Valley and Texas. He played with his son Israel Trevino III, also known as Izzy, and uncle, Bicente “Vinny” Trevino.

The death received attention and mourning from the conjunto music community.

Three of Trevino’s relatives testified about the shooting on Monday — Izzy Trevino, his father Israel Trevino Sr., and Vinny Trevino.

The Fresno County District Attorney’s office alleges Gomez engaged in an altercation with Israel Trevino Jr. at the Parlier home of his father. In testimony on the first day of trial on Monday, Gomez was said to be passing the Trevino home several times, revving his engine. When he got out of the car, a scuffle ensued with Israel Trevino Jr., and Izzy Trevino. Gomez fired his gun at both father and son, killing the older man and wounding the younger.

Gomez also pulled a knife on Vinny Trevino, family members testified.

Defense attorney Anthony Capozzi is arguing that Gomez shot in self-defense. Izzy Trevino survived five gunshot wounds — two in the stomach, two to the pelvis and one near the eye — and testified Monday.

Pathologist Testifies

Chambliss testified that Israel Trevino Jr. suffered three gunshot wounds — the fatal shot through the clavicle that also broke his first rib, one in the stomach, and one on his right side. Although Chambliss said the gun shots were at close range, he could not determine the order of shots nor the angle.

He reviewed autopsy photos with Capozzi for the jury.

Based on the spread of the gun powder residue, Chambliss estimated the fatal shot to be less than 5 feet from the body. The shot to the stomach was from about 6 to 12 inches away.

Two of the shots produced both entry and exit wounds. One shot remained lodged in Israel Trevino Jr.’s right side.

Prosecution Close to Finish

Prosecutor Nicole Idiart had hoped to call Jesse Gomez, brother of the defendant, to testify. Even though he was subpoenaed to appear, he failed to show. Capozzi told Judge Arlan Harrell that Jesse Gomez had suffered a medical incident on Tuesday and was taken to the hospital. Harrell ended testimony for the day at the noon recess.

Idiart plans to call Jesse Gomez on Wednesday, then call Detective. Juan Galindo from the district attorney’s office to the stand.

The two sides were scheduled for an evidentiary motion on Tuesday afternoon. Capozzi wants the judge to allow two former inmates to testify to the character of Israel Trevino Jr.

Also testifying on Tuesday were Mariah Trevino, daughter of Israel Trevino Jr. She said Gomez drove his truck past Israel Trevino Sr.’s home in March 2021, when she visited with her grandfather.

Araceli Pena lived across the street, and testified she heard gunshots, and the commotion afterward. Jaime Cano testified he saw the incident unfold as he drove by the home. He called 911. Cano said Gomez was defending himself, retreating backward toward his truck parked on the street, when the shooting occurred.