22-year-old charged with murder in deadly Rigby shooting

RIGBY, Idaho (KIFI) — A 22-year-old man charged with second-degree murder made his first court appearance Monday following a fatal Sunday afternoon shooting in Rigby.

Tristin John Chase faces a felony murder charge in connection with the death of 43-year-old Rafael Valles, of Cedar Creek, Texas. During Chase’s arraignment on Monday, Judge Faren Eddins set his bond at $750,000.

According to court documents, officers with the Rigby Police Department responded to a report of shots fired involving two men on Ashlyn Way shortly after noon on Sunday.

As police arrived at the scene, an officer found a woman holding a child and crying loudly, while another woman attempted to perform CPR on Valles. Noting blood pooling from under Valles' neck, the officer immediately took over life-saving measures. However, the officer was unable to locate a pulse and found Valles was not breathing.

"Though additional life-saving measures were provided...Valles passed away at the scene," states the release from the Rigby Police.

Witnesses inside the residence told police they saw Chase shoot Valles before running into a nearby parking lot with the gun. The department alerted neighboring agencies and initiated a search for the suspect.

Phone Call with Police

While fleeing the scene, Chase called one of the women at the residence. According to court documents, an officer took over the phone to negotiate his surrender.

During the recorded call, Chase appeared panicked, stating he was "freaking out," driving around to catch his breath, and considering ending his own life to avoid prison.

Chase claimed to police that Rafael had aggressively approached him while he was holding his daughter, kicked the door open, and tried to hit him. He admitted to discharging the weapon but claimed it was an accident or self-defense.

"I didn't even (explicative) mean to shoot, I don't even know how my gun shot," Chase told the officer, adding, "It was not my fault that it happened." Afterwards, Chase fell silent before briefly hanging up and calling back.

Officers eventually persuaded Chase to return to town, where he was taken into custody without incident during a traffic stop near the 300 block of West 1st South in Rigby, just before 1 p.m.

"This is a very active, ongoing investigation and further details may be released at a later time," the Rigby Police Department said in a press release. "Our condolences go out to Mr. Valles' family and loved ones."

Chase is currently being held at the Jefferson County Jail awaiting his next court appearance on Sept. 3.

Editor's Note: This is a developing story. Local News 8 will continue to provide updates throughout the afternoon.