SLO man found guilty for murder of roommate
Update posted June 7, 2018
–A San Luis Obispo County jury found the defendant, Charles Chad Giese, guilty of the Nov. 15, 2015 murder of his roommate Walter Ernesto Vallivero, at their residence in rural San Luis Obispo. The verdict came after a three-week jury trial and two days of deliberation.
On November 15, 2015, San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s deputies responded to an address in rural San Luis Obispo based on a 911 call from Giese’s mother. Upon arrival deputies located the body of the victim, Walter Ernest Vallivero (DOB 01/21/1961), within the residence. Giese and Vallivero had been roommates for approximately three months, during which time neighbors described a history of loud verbal arguments between the two men. During the investigation, Giese admitted to deputies that he had beaten Vallivero resulting in his death, but claimed it was in self-defense.
At the trial Giese’s attorney argued the killing was justified, claiming that Vallivero initiated the confrontation by first assaulting Giese. Giese did not testify at the trial. The physical evidence presented to the jury did not substantiate Giese’s account of being assaulted.
“While we can only imagine the impact this horrific crime has had on the family and friends of Mr. Vallivero, we are hopeful that this conviction will provide some solace. We thank the jurors who patiently and conscientiously evaluated this very difficult case,” said District Attorney Dan Dow.
Sentencing for Mr. Giese is scheduled for July 12, 2018 in Department 1 of the San Luis Obispo County Superior Court, the Honorable Judge Jacqueline Duffy presiding. Giese faces a sentence of 27 years to life in state prison.
The case was investigated by the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office and the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney Bureau of Investigations. The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Christopher Peuvrelle.
Original story posted Nov. 18, 2015
Charles Chad Giese.
–On Monday morning, the Sheriff’s Office received a report of a suspicious death at 600 block of Rancho Oak Drive in rural San Luis Obispo. When Deputies arrived, they discovered the body of Walter Ernest Vallivero, 54, inside the home.
After detectives interviewed Vallivero’s roommate, 40-year-old Charles Chad Giese of San Luis Obispo, he was arrested. Investigators believe the two men had an argument on Sunday. The argument escalated and investigators believe the victim died from blunt force trauma.
Giese was booked into County Jail on one count of murder.
The investigation is on-going. No further information is available at this time.
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