A rising boxing star was tragically killed by his girlfriend's jealous ex-husband in a murder-suicide, according to police. Adrian Valdovinos, 25, was fatally shot inside his girlfriend's residence in Hanford, California, on Sunday. The assailant, Vincent Diaz, 33, forced his way into the home and confronted the couple.
Details of the Incident
Officers responded to the scene shortly after 4 AM and safely removed the girlfriend from the premises. They discovered Valdovinos deceased in the bathroom. Diaz was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Hanford Police Lieutenant Justin Vallin stated that Diaz had meticulously planned the attack, having arranged for someone to care for his child beforehand.
Background of the Suspect
Diaz, a convicted felon, and his ex-wife had separated in August. Court records indicate she had requested a restraining order against him concerning their child. Police confirmed that neither Diaz nor Valdovinos had any prior interactions before the deadly event.
Community Mourning
A candlelight vigil was held for Valdovinos at Civic Center Park in Hanford on Wednesday, drawing over 500 family and friends. Boxing gloves were placed around photos of him to honor his passion for the sport, in which he held a professional record of 10-2. His father, Robert, expressed the family's devastation: 'Never in a million years would we have thought Adrian, of all people, that this would happen to him.' His older brother added, 'It’s something hard, you know, dealing with the loss just of my little brother that didn’t deserve this.'
Neighbors described the couple as seemingly happy before the split, with one recalling they were always 'singing, and having a great time.' The investigation into the shooting is ongoing.
