New Information Released About Man Found in Azusa Police Car
New Developments in the Death of Man Found in Azusa Police Car
AZUSA, Calif. – The Azusa Police Department is under intense scrutiny following the discovery of 37-year-old Eric Valencia’s body inside a parked patrol vehicle. His family is demanding transparency regarding the circumstances surrounding Valencia’s death, which occurred just days after his birthday.
Valencia was released from custody on March 23 after being held on suspicion of DUI and child endangerment. Surveillance footage shows him walking to the front of the station, appearing to look around before entering the rear seat of patrol car number 37, which was left unlocked. He remained undiscovered for three days until a police employee moved the vehicle for a car wash on March 26.
The situation has prompted a multi-agency investigation into department protocols and Valencia’s last moments. Authorities confirmed that Valencia had a functioning and charged cell phone, yet there were no outgoing calls made while he was inside the vehicle.
The exact cause and manner of Valencia’s death are pending an autopsy by the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner. Investigators are also examining why he entered the police car and did not attempt to call for help or exit the vehicle.
Azusa Police Chief Rocky Wenrick acknowledged the family’s concerns, emphasizing their desire to understand Valencia’s intentions. "That is the million-dollar question that we all want to know," said Wenrick. He noted that while the department has had multiple contacts with Valencia, there were no previous issues that would warrant suspicion of foul play.
Family members remain devastated. One relative expressed disbelief, stating, "He was pronounced deceased here, you know, in front of the police station. Doesn’t make any sense to any of us."
Moving forward, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office and the Department of Medical Examiner are conducting concurrent investigations. The Azusa Police Department has also retained the JL Group, a private investigative firm, to look into why the vehicle was left unsecured. Results from toxicology tests and an examination of Valencia’s phone records are anticipated as the next key developments in the case.
