BERRIEN COUNTY, Mich. -- A high-profile murder trial involving the death of an off-duty Eau Claire firefighter is underway in Berrien County.
47-year-old Rigoberto Gomez is facing an open murder charge in the deadly shooting of Chad Medlin outside Hometown Bar in Eau Claire on Nov. 2, 2024.
ABC57 Investigative Reporter Annie Kate is covering the trial and was at the Berrien County Courthouse in downtown St. Joe Wednesday where day one wrapped up.
Open murder means the jury can deliberate both first- and second-degree murder.
After getting sworn in, the judge delivered jury instructions. This includes the usual rules telling jurors not to read or watch any news reports or do their own research on the case. The judge also went over Gomez's charges.
There are eight counts against Gomez, who appeared in court in-person as his jury was selected.
Gomez’s charges besides murder include Assault with Intent to Do Great Bodily Harm, Firearm Possession, and Firearm in Possession of a Felon.
Opening statements begin Thursday morning, starting when the courthouse opens at 8:30 a.m.
Annie Kate will be there and will have a full recap Thursday at 5.