Family members and legal representatives for Eric Valencia are demanding comprehensive explanations from the Azusa Police Department regarding his death. They are specifically questioning why Valencia was not discovered sooner and why a police patrol vehicle was left unsecured.

Timeline of Events and Family Concerns

Eric Valencia, described by his family as a beloved father of two, was found deceased inside a patrol car parked just outside the Azusa Police Department headquarters at 725 N. Alameda Ave. The family and their lawyers contend that police failed to conduct an adequate search after Valencia was reported missing.

Police showed the family surveillance footage revealing Valencia entering the back passenger seat of the patrol car. However, lawyers stated numerous critical questions remain unanswered. These include the events between his entry on Monday, March 23, and the discovery of his body days later, as well as why the vehicle's rear door was unlocked.

Release from Custody and Subsequent Search Efforts

Azusa Police Chief Rocky Wenrick confirmed Valencia was arrested on March 20 on suspicion of driving under the influence and felony child endangerment. A preliminary alcohol screening showed his blood-alcohol level was double the legal limit. Valencia was held from Friday through Monday, receiving regular meals and checks every half hour.

The case was presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office but was declined pending final blood test results. Chief Wenrick stated Valencia showed no signs of distress upon his release on March 23 and was given food before departing.

Valencia’s sister-in-law, Julia McCormick, stated he called her while in custody, sounding distressed. Family members learned of his release on Tuesday, March 24, after visiting the courthouse. McCormick noted Valencia lived blocks away and would have returned home to care for his children and grandfather in hospice.

Ignored Missing Persons Reports

Valencia’s partner visited the station the same day he was released, attempting to file a missing persons report, but McCormick stated police dismissed their concerns. Staff claimed they saw Valencia walking toward a Metro station, leading family to contact other stations and hospitals.

McCormick returned to the station Wednesday night to file the official report. Breaking into tears, she recalled, “I come to find out... that he was here in a car the whole time, the whole time. They didn’t take us serious when we came to tell them.” McCormick learned of his death from the coroner’s office, not the police, on Thursday.

Discovery and Ongoing Investigation

Captain Robert Landeros reported that officials were unaware Valencia was in the vehicle until approximately 4:50 a.m. on Thursday. A civilian employee discovered Valencia unresponsive while preparing to wash the patrol car, which was out of service awaiting mandatory maintenance.

Surveillance footage showed the employee enter the driver's side, exit, check the back seat, and then make a call. Police personnel soon arrived, and paramedics pronounced Valencia dead shortly thereafter. Chief Wenrick confirmed Valencia had no visible signs of trauma.

The medical examiner has not yet issued a cause of death. Detectives are conducting an internal review, which county officials will examine. An external firm will investigate the specific failure that left the police car unlocked.

Police confirmed Valencia possessed a working cellphone, but records showed he did not call 911 while inside the vehicle. McCormick concluded the press conference on March 30, 2026, stating, “We just want answers. Our family is devastated. We love Eric with all our heart. This is the biggest loss of our family.”