The Fayette man accused in the February 2021 shooting death of his 15-year-old son pleaded guilty on Monday morning to first-degree involuntary manslaughter, a Class C felony. Eddie Martin Valencia, 52, entered the plea in front of Judge Keith Bail in Cooper County court. He appeared before the court with his attorney, Brad Wooldridge of Boonville.

In questioning by Judge Bail, Valencia admitted that he caused the death of Kevin Cash Valencia by intentionally pulling the trigger of a firearm without making sure the firearm was not loaded.

Once the plea was entered, Wooldridge asked the court for a Sentencing Assessment Report (SAR), which Judge Bail granted. It was ordered to be completed by June 10. Valencia will appear back in court on June 15 to learn his sentence.

A Sentencing Assessment Report exists to provide judges, and others involved with sentencing and corrections, useful information about the offender, the offender’s risk of re-offending, treatment programs, and supervision options available in the community and in prison, according to the Missouri Sentencing Advisory Commission.

Howard County Prosecutor Deborah Riekhof told the court that the state would ask for “some prison time,” which will most likely be suspended. She told the judge she would wait until she received the SAR before making an official recommendation. 

The charge carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison. The sentence will ultimately be decided by Judge Bail.

Wooldridge also asked the judge for permission to submit documentation, such as reports from counselors, to the court and the state in support of Valencia.

Although the shooting was initially ruled an accident, Valencia was later charged following a hearing by the Child Fatality Review Board which was held six days after the incident on February 26, 2021. The review board found that criteria were met to warrant the charge of involuntary manslaughter. According to Missouri Revised Statute 565.024, a person may be charged with involuntary manslaughter in the first degree if he/she recklessly causes the death of another person.

As stated in a probable cause statement filed by Fayette police, Valencia told officers he attempted to dry fire a .308 caliber rifle, which turned out to be loaded. The bullet struck his son in the head. He also refused to take an alcohol breath test, according to the statement.

Valencia told police that after the shot was fired, he threw down the rifle and called 911.

Valencia was arrested on Monday, March 1, 2021, and formally charged with the Class C felony on March 2. Valencia was released from the Howard County Jail on March 3 on a $25,000 bond.