Azusa Man Found Dead in Police SUV After Missing Report
A father of two died of hyperthermia after being trapped in an unlocked patrol vehicle for days following his release from a DUI arrest.
By Giulia Donovan ·
Eric Valencia, 37, died of hyperthermia after being trapped in the back seat of an unlocked Azusa police SUV for days.
The lawsuit was filed in federal court on Tuesday, Oct. 27, seeking monetary damages for negligence. Valencia was arrested for a suspected DUI on March 20 at 9:40 p.m. He told officers he was an alcoholic and should be in detox. He spent two days and 15 hours in the Azusa Police Department jail before being released just after 12:30 p.m. on March 23.
Surveillance video shows Valencia leaving the jail alone. He walked toward his home, then turned back to three parked police vehicles. He opened a back door, entered the rear seat, and closed the door. The suit states the vehicle could not be opened from the inside without assistance. A worker inspecting the SUV found his body on March 26. An autopsy determined the cause of death was hyperthermia. Attorneys say the medical report indicates he suffered from extreme heat, thirst, pain, and fear.
Family members report that police dismissed their concerns after Valencia missed a court date. The mother of his children went to the station on March 24, but no report was taken. On March 25, his sister-in-law filed a formal missing person report. The attorneys accuse officers of falsely telling the family that Valencia was last seen walking toward a train. They also argue that police failed to check security footage showing Valencia entering the vehicle.
At a news conference on Wednesday, Oct. 28, in South Pasadena, family members described their distress. Julia McCormick, Valencia’s sister-in-law, said police did not take them seriously. "We were pleading with them, 'Something is wrong, he was last known to be here (at the jail), so do your job,'" McCormick said. She added that the family felt treated like criminals while seeking answers.
Attorney Luis Carrillo stated that Valencia was suffering from alcohol withdrawal and psychosis. "You shouldn’t go to jail for a DUI and end up in the back seat of a patrol vehicle dead of hyperthermia," Carrillo said. Another attorney, Michael Carrillo, said the department treated the family and Valencia like trash. He noted that the patrol vehicle became Eric’s tomb.
Police officials said in a statement that the city maintains a practice of not providing public comment on active litigation. They said the city remains committed to transparency and will address the matter through legal channels. The department claimed Valencia had a working cellphone, but attorneys said they want to see proof and argued he may not have been able to use it due to his mental state.
Justine Cendejas, the mother of Valencia’s two children, said the boys ask for their father every night. The family says they want justice and answers. The lawsuit asks the court to hold the Azusa Police Department responsible for the pain caused by their handling of the case.
