Rigoberto Gomez found guilty in Eau Claire firefighter murder trial
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Gomez was found guilty on all eight charges by a Berrien County jury. Under the first count, Open Murder, the jury had the opportunity to deliberate both first- and second-degree and unanimously convicted him of Second-Degree Murder.
People appeared disappointed on all sides of the case. Medlin's friends and family seemingly wanted the man who admitted to shooting Medlin punished to the fullest extent of the law. Medlin was 36, a father, the business owner of Battle Ground Excavating, an army veteran, and an Eau Claire firefighter.
ABC57 was told that Medlin's friends and family collectively decided not to speak to the news media at this time.
Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Kate Arnold sent ABC57 the following statement: "We appreciate the jury’s careful consideration of the evidence in this important case, and we respect and accept their verdict. We thank them for their service."
Gomez had seven other counts, now convictions, against him besides murder: Assault with Intent to do Great Bodily Harm Less than Murder, Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, three Felony Firearm charges, and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. That last charge is because of a prior drug felony on Gomez's record.
But Gomez had supporters in the courtroom every single day, too, who believed in his innocence. These included his sister as well as his estranged wife, Pamela Gomez.
ABC57's Annie Kate asked her why she was present every day of this trial.
"He is the father of my children, and my children are hurting. My children want the truth," she said. "I'm shocked and not shocked. The jury was only presented what the detectives and prosecution wanted them to see."
Defense Attorney Caleb Grimes, disappointed his client was not acquitted on self-defense, told ABC57 he does plan to appeal, but has not yet started those conversations.
Gomez is set to be sentenced Jan. 5, 2026.