January 1, 2026 – Homicide detectives are investigating a self-defense claim in Thursday morning’s fatal shooting of a 28-year-old man inside a home at 3843 Bonnacreek Drive. Work is underway to locate the victim’s next of kin.
Hermitage Precinct officers responded to the shooting call at 2:50 a.m. The victim was found dead on the basement floor. Two brothers who reside at the home, Christian Felipe-Valdez, 18, and Erik Valdez-Martinez, 22, were detained and taken to police headquarters for interviews.
Detectives were told that the victim had recently been allowed by Valdez-Martinez to move into the basement. Valdez-Martinez said when he and his brother returned home from a New Year’s party, the victim appeared to be under the influence of something and was tearing apart a downstairs bedroom. Valdez-Martinez said the victim began to attack and shove him. Felipe-Valdez said he heard the commotion and went downstairs armed with a pistol. Felipe-Valdez said he shot the victim when he lunged at him and attempted to take the gun. Felipe-Valdez called 911. After discussion with the District Attorney’s Office, Felipe-Valdez was released after the interview while the fatal shooting investigation continues.
Valdez-Martinez, however, was arrested on drug charges after more than three pounds of methamphetamine and 21 grams of cocaine were recovered in multiple plastic bags from the back of a pickup truck that Valdez-Martinez drives.
Valdez-Martinez was convicted of felony cocaine possession in July 2025 and received a six-year probated sentence. A judicial commissioner set his bond on drug charges at $155,000.
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