Family and friends of Eric Valencia are pressing the Azusa Police Department for answers regarding the 37-year-old’s death after his body was discovered in a patrol car last week.
Valencia had been arrested on March 23 on suspicion of driving under the influence but was released shortly thereafter due to a lack of evidence.
After his release, his family couldn’t locate him, which led them to file a missing persons report.
Days later, on March 26, his body was found in the back seat of an out-of-service police vehicle parked near a train station in downtown Azusa.
The family is seeking clarity about the situation surrounding Valencia’s untimely death.
“We don’t understand what transpired,” a relative expressed. “He was found dead right in front of the police station. It just doesn’t add up for us.”
Details about how Valencia ended up in the patrol car or the timeline remain unclear, yet Police Chief Rocky Wenrick stated that the vehicle “should have been secured.”
Mabel Torres, a friend of Valencia’s, described him as a “kind-hearted person,” voicing her hope for justice. “I pray that this case is resolved, because he didn’t deserve this,” she shared in a Facebook update.
Valencia’s cousin, Andrea, also called for accountability, encouraging others to keep the family in their thoughts. “We need justice for my cousin Eric Valencia,” she emphasized.
Wenrick mentioned that an independent firm has been brought in to investigate the circumstances, particularly regarding why the police car was left unlocked.
The Azusa Police are undertaking a criminal investigation in connection with the incident.
The cause of Valencia’s death remains undetermined, and an autopsy by the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office is still pending.
