#self-defense-claim

#self-defense-claim

SAN JOSE A renowned South Bay soccer coach, whose roots go back to playing for a forerunner of the San Jose Earthquakes, is speaking publicly for the first time about a violent clash in June inside his Almaden Valley home where he fatally shot his longtime friend, former teammate and coaching colleague. Dave Gold has been cleared of criminal liability in the death of Ronald Morriss.

In December 2022, Oliver was walking down the street in the early morning when Thomas approached him in an unmarked vehicle three separate times, according to the evidence in the case. Oliver testified that Thomas made sexual advances toward him, which Oliver rejected. Upon being approached a third time, Oliver shot into Thomas's vehicle, killing him. Oliver, who said he had feared for his safety, then fled the scene. Prosecutors insisted that his actions constituted murder.