Suspect Arrested in Connection with Fatal Shooting in Avenal
Above: Jose Valadez Jr. booking photo
(Courtesy of KCSO)
Originally published by the Kings County Sheriff’s Office:
“On Saturday, 12/30/2023 around 2114 hrs, Officers with the Avenal Police Department responded to Central Ave just north of Dome St on a report of a man in the roadway. Upon arrival, the adult male, later identified as Rudy Moralez was transported to Coalinga Hospital. It was discovered Rudy had suffered a single gunshot wound to his lower abdomen and subsequently died of his injuries. The Avenal Police Department reached out to the Kings County Sheriff’s Office to assume the investigation.
On Tuesday, 01/02/2024, the Kings County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team and Detective Division executed a search warrant in the 800 block of Dome Street in the City of Avenal. During the execution of the search warrant, Jose Valadez, Jr. (51) was taken into custody for PC 187-Homicide. During the search of the residence, a handgun and ammunition were also discovered.
This investigation is ongoing, and if you believe you have any information regarding this investigation, please contact the Kings County Sheriff’s Office at (559) 852-4657 or contact Valley Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-STOP (7867) or online at valleycrimestoppers.org.”
