{ "title": "Video Shows Man Entering Unsecured Azusa Police Cruiser Days Before Being Found Dead Inside", "spot": "New surveillance footage captures Eric Valencia entering an unlocked Azusa police patrol car after his release, just days before he was discovered deceased inside the vehicle.", "body": "

New surveillance video has surfaced showing the final moments before Eric Valencia was found dead inside an unattended police patrol car outside the Azusa Police Station.

The footage, released by the Azusa Police Department on Monday, captures Valencia just after he was released from custody. The incident occurred shortly before 1:00 p.m. on Monday, March 23.

Release and Entry into Patrol Vehicle

The video shows Valencia wandering near the station before approaching an Azusa Police Department SUV patrol unit parked outside. The vehicle was reportedly out of service at the time.

For several minutes, the surveillance recording documents Valencia opening the rear door of the SUV, climbing inside, and subsequently closing the door behind him. Police officials stated this was the last time Valencia was seen alive.

Investigation into Security Lapse

According to the police chief, the patrol car should not have been left unsecured. This lapse in security is a key component of the ongoing investigation into Valencia's death.

Valencia had been arrested six days earlier, on Friday, March 20, on suspicion of drunk driving and felony child endangerment. The police chief noted that Valencia's blood alcohol level was more than double the legal limit at the time of his initial arrest.

Discovery of the Body and Family Demands

Days later, shortly before 5:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 26, a different officer discovered Valencia in the rear seat of the patrol vehicle. Paramedics confirmed his death at the scene shortly thereafter.

Valencia’s family is demanding answers regarding the circumstances of his death following his release from custody. They reported him missing to the Azusa Police Department several days prior to his discovery.

Official Statements and Unanswered Questions

Police Chief Rocky Wenrick addressed the media, confirming several key details. Investigators noted that Mr. Valencia showed no signs of major trauma on his body.

Furthermore, Chief Wenrick stated that investigators confirmed Mr. Valencia had an active cell phone with him in the back seat of the patrol car when he was found. The disappearance had only been reported to the department hours before the body was located.

A family member expressed frustration, stating, \"I wasn't even called back. Nobody in the police department called me to let me know they found him Thursday morning. The only call I received was from the medical examiner informing me that he was already dead.\""

The 37-year-old man lived less than a mile from the station and reportedly had no known medical conditions. His family insists they will continue to press the police department for full accountability and answers.

The Azusa Police Department confirmed that the official cause of death for Valencia remains under investigation by the medical examiner's office.

", "meta_title": "Man Found Dead in Unsecured Azusa Police Cruiser After Release", "meta_description": "Surveillance video shows Eric Valencia entering an unlocked Azusa police patrol car on March 23, days before he was found dead inside. Family seeks answers.", "meta_keywords": "Eric Valencia, Azusa Police Department, police cruiser death, surveillance video, custody death, unsecured vehicle", "ai_summary": "Surveillance video captured Eric Valencia entering an unsecured Azusa Police Department patrol car on Monday, March 23, shortly after his release from custody. Days later, on Thursday, March 26, an officer discovered Valencia deceased in the rear seat of the vehicle, prompting an ongoing investigation. Valencia's family is demanding answers regarding how he ended up dead inside the police vehicle after being processed and released by the department." }