A man reportedly made his way into an unlocked Azusa Police Department SUV after being released from jail following a DUI arrest. However, he was found dead three days later after his sister-in-law reached the police station to look for him.
The bizarre incident has raised questions as to why 37-year-old Eric Valencia entered a police patrol SUV, only to not come out ever again. According to a report by KTLA 5, Valencia was arrested for DUI and child endangerment on March 20 after police determined that his blood alcohol content was double the permissible limit.
Footage from the security cameras showed Valencia leaving the police station on March 23 after he was released from jail. He then approached a patrol SUV parked in front of the police station and entered the vehicle.
It wasn’t until two days later, on March 25, that he was reported missing. His sister-in-law, Julia McCormick, demanded answers from the police outside the Azusa police station as she spoke to the press. On the following day, March 26, Valencia’s body was found inside the patrol vehicle.
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At a press conference, Azusa Police Chief Rocky Wenrick said no signs of serious injury were visible on Valencia’s body:
“There were no signs of major trauma observed on Mr. Valencia.”
Independent Investigation Launched Into Valencia’s Mysterious Death
Now, the Azusa police are investigating the reason behind his decision to enter the police patrol SUV after being released from jail.
An independent investigation has been launched to ascertain the cause of his death and the events that led to it. The findings of the investigation will be shared with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. Notably, none of the Azusa Police Department officers connected to the case is on leave.
McCormick sought answers regarding Valencia’s mysterious death and demanded justice. She said:
“He’s a good person and didn’t deserve to go like this. We want answers and justice for him.”
