Man claims self-defense in fatal dog-petting shooting

SAN ANTONIO — A 21-year-old man took the stand this week at his trial for allegedly fatally shooting a man. The argument began with the victim’s wife petting the man’s dog.

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

He claimed self-defense in the shooting and said he feared for his safety.

In opening arguments Tuesday, prosecutors said Eaton shot 28-year-old Valentin Gonzales and his wife Brittany during an argument at their apartment complex.

Eaton said he was walking his dogs in the yard of his apartment and a barking dog without an owner 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 saw Priscilla Clark yelling at the same dog I was having problems with,” Eaton said. “I approached her and tried to resolve every conflict I had, but it didn’t go well. She basically ignored me.”

Eaton testified that this dog approached his dogs several times a week. After seeing them outside together, he later discovered that Brittany was 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 training, we started going out in 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 problems with before. I tried not to acknowledge them.”

Eaton said his new puppy started walking away.

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

Eaton told Valentin and Brittney not to touch his dog. Eaton said he was arguing with Valentin about a previous conflict while Brittany was petting his dog.

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

“I didn’t want to shoot anyone,” Eaton said.

He said he felt something hit him in the back of the head, namely Valentin fighting him for the gun.

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

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

If convicted, Eaton faces life in prison.

The 437th Criminal District Court will hear closing arguments Monday.