Man found dead in police car sues

A federal civil rights lawsuit filed on Oct. 27 alleges that the Azusa Police Department failed to protect Eric Valencia, a 37-year-old father, who died inside a locked police vehicle. Valencia’s body was discovered on March 26 in the back seat of an SUV parked outside the department building. The vehicle was awaiting maintenance and had been left unlocked.

Valencia was arrested for a suspected DUI on March 20. He told officers during the stop that he was an alcoholic and scheduled for detoxification. He spent two days and 15 hours in the Azusa jail before being released at 12:30 p.m. on March 23. Surveillance video from the facility shows him leaving alone and walking toward three parked police cars. He appeared to talk to himself before opening the rear door of one vehicle and closing it behind him. The lawsuit states the door could not be opened from the inside, trapping Valencia within the car.

Family members reported Valencia missing on March 24 and 25, but the body was not found until March 26 when a maintenance worker inspected the vehicle. An autopsy determined the cause of death was hyperthermia. Attorneys for the family stated that Valencia was suffering from alcohol withdrawal and psychosis at the time of his release. They argue that officers chose to let him go rather than arrange medical help. The family claims police dismissed their initial concerns and falsely told them Valencia was last seen walking toward a train.

Luis Carrillo, an attorney for the family, stated that Valencia should not have died in a patrol car after a DUI arrest. He described the vehicle as a tomb. Michael Carrillo, another attorney, said the department treated the family and Valencia poorly. He accused the police of taking a life instead of saving one. The city of Azusa issued a statement on Oct. 28. It noted that the city avoids public comment during active litigation and remains committed to due process.

The lawsuit seeks an unspecified amount in monetary damages. Attorneys questioned why police did not review security footage after receiving the missing person report. They also asked why no one noticed a person trapped in a vehicle so close to the station. Police officials claimed Valencia had a working cellphone. The family’s legal team wants to see proof of this and argued that his mental state likely prevented him from using the device. Justine Cendejas, Valencia’s daughter, said her sons still ask for their father every night.

The family held a news conference in South Pasadena on Oct. 28. Julia McCormick, Valencia’s sister-in-law, said police did not take the family seriously. She recalled pleading with officers to do their job. The attorneys said Valencia appeared to be in a state of shock and psychosis in the minutes before his release. They pointed to footage of workers watching him struggle with his shoes. The family said they are seeking justice and answers through the court system.