Man claims self-defense during fatal shooting over petting dog

SAN ANTONIO – A 21-year-old man took the stand this week in his trial for allegedly fatally shooting a man in an argument that began when the victim’s wife petting the man’s dog.

Jordan Eaton, who was 18 at the time of the 2021 shooting, is charged with murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, officials said.

He claimed self-defense in the shooting, saying he feared for his safety.

In opening statements Tuesday, prosecutors said Eaton shot Valentin Gonzales, 28, and his wife, Brittany, during a confrontation at their apartment complex.

Eaton said he walked his dogs in his apartment yard, and a barking stray dog ​​would often approach his dogs. He eventually saw the dog with a woman, Priscilla Clark, who he believed to be Brittany’s mother.

“One evening I was walking my dogs and I saw Priscilla Clark yelling at the same dog I was in trouble with,” Eaton said. “I approached her and tried to work out whatever conflict we had and it didn’t go well. Basically, she ignored me.”

Eaton testified that this dog approached his dogs several times a week. After seeing them outside together, he later found Brittany the dog’s owner.

“I went over to try to have a conversation and explained the previous issues I had with the dog and her mother,” Eaton said. “It was the same result as the conversation I had with her mother.”

Eaton said he got a new puppy the day before the shooting. He said he was excited to train his puppy the next morning.

“After a little bit of training, we started going to the yard because that’s what I do with all my other dogs,” Eaton said. “As I enter the yard, I see the group of people I had previous problems with. I tried not to recognize them.”

Eaton said his new puppy started going.

“I tried to call him, but he wouldn’t listen,” Eaton said.

Eaton told Valentin and Brittney not to touch their dog. Eaton said he began arguing with Valentin about a previous conflict while Brittany reached out to pet her dog.

“I just wanted them to leave me alone,” Eaton said. He said he fired the first shot into the ground.

“I didn’t mean to shoot anybody,” Eaton said.

He said he felt something hit him on the back of the head, meaning Valentin was struggling with him for the gun.

Eaton was accused of firing the gun twice, striking Gonzales.

“I got scared and my body kind of reacted,” Eaton said. “I was fighting for my life. I just knew someone was on top of me trying to take my gun.”

If convicted, Eaton faces up to life in prison.

Criminal District Court 437 will have closing arguments on Monday.