Family and lawyers seek answers after 37-year-old man found dead in patrol car outside Azusa police station.

The family of Eric Valencia, a 37-year-old man whose lifeless body was discovered inside an Azusa police patrol car, is demanding clarity and accountability from local law enforcement following this tragic incident. Valencia’s body was found on March 26, just three days after he was released from police custody for charges relating to driving under the influence and felony child endangerment, according to Azusa Police Chief Rocky Wenrick.

Valencia, a father of two and a cherished member of the local community, had been reported missing by family members prior to the discovery of his body. Family attorneys assert that the Azusa police did not conduct an adequate search after receiving reports of his disappearance, unaware that he had remained close by, inside a patrol car parked outside the Azusa Police Department located at 725 N. Alameda Ave.

In a somber attempt to extract information, Valencia’s family was shown surveillance footage by the police, depicting him entering the back passenger seat of the patrol vehicle. However, numerous questions linger regarding the circumstances between his entry into the vehicle on March 23 and the subsequent discovery of his body. These queries include the unexplained reason as to why the patrol car’s back passenger door was left unlocked.

Valencia’s sister-in-law, Julia McCormick, recounted her bewilderment upon learning of his death, which she found out through the coroner’s office rather than the police. Valencia had reached out to her while in custody, expressing distress, and she had even visited the courthouse seeking information about his release. Despite living mere blocks from the police station, Valencia’s family was initially rebuffed when they sought assistance on his whereabouts.

The police stated that during Valencia’s time in custody, from March 20 to March 23, he received regular meals and was monitored every 30 minutes. Despite a preliminary alcohol screening indicating a blood-alcohol level double the legal limit, officers reported that he exhibited no signs of distress upon release. Video footage showed Valencia gathering his belongings prior to leaving the station.

Valencia’s body was discovered by a civilian employee around 4:50 a.m., who did not initially realize he was inside the vehicle designated for maintenance. Subsequent investigations will determine the circumstances surrounding this case, with both an internal inquiry and an external examination into the handling of the patrol car’s door being launched. Furthermore, police records indicate that while Valencia was in the patrol vehicle, he did not attempt to call for help using his cellphone.

The family and their legal representatives express profound grief and confusion regarding these developments, emphasizing their desire for transparency and justice. The Azusa police have committed to providing updates as the investigation unfolds, although the family members remain in anguish over their unexpected loss.