Man dies in police SUV after 3 days unnoticed

Eric Valencia died from hyperthermia in the back seat of an unlocked police SUV parked outside the Azusa Police Department. His body was found on March 26, approximately three days after he was released from custody. A federal civil rights lawsuit filed on Tuesday, October 27, alleges that officers tasked with overseeing his well-being failed in their duties.

Valencia, a 37-year-old father of two, was arrested for a suspected DUI on March 20 at approximately 9:40 p.m. Attorneys for his family state he told officers he was an alcoholic and supposed to be in detox. He spent two days and 15 hours in the Azusa jail before being released just after 12:30 p.m. on March 23. Surveillance video shows him leaving the facility, walking toward his home on Alameda Avenue, then turning back to enter the rear seat of the police vehicle. The lawsuit claims the rear door could not be opened from the inside, trapping him without assistance.

Family members reported that police dismissed their concerns when Valencia failed to appear in court. His children’s mother went to the station on March 24, but no official report was taken. On March 25, his sister-in-law filed a formal missing-person report. Luis Carrillo, one of the attorneys representing the family, accused police of falsely telling distraught relatives that Valencia was last seen walking toward a train. The family’s legal team argues that officers did not check security footage showing Valencia entering the SUV, despite the vehicle’s proximity to the station.

The attorneys contend that Valencia was suffering from alcohol withdrawal and psychosis when released. They say police chose to release him rather than provide medical help. Julia McCormick, Valencia’s sister-in-law, stated that police told the family they were not taking their concerns seriously. "They didn’t take us seriously," McCormick said at a news conference on October 28. "We were pleading with them, 'Something is wrong, he was last known to be here (at the jail), so do your job.'"

An autopsy determined Valencia died from extreme heat. His attorneys say the medical report indicates he likely suffered thirst, physical pain, and fear before his death. They questioned why no one noticed him trapped in a vehicle awaiting maintenance. The family’s lawyers also disputed police claims that Valencia had a working cellphone, arguing his mental state may have prevented him from using it. "That patrol vehicle ended up being Eric’s tomb," Carrillo said.

The Azusa Police Department stated in a statement that it maintains a practice of not providing public comment on active litigation. Officials said the city remains committed to transparency and will address matters through legal channels. The lawsuit seeks an unspecified amount of monetary damages. Justine Cendejas, the mother of Valencia’s two children, said her sons still ask for their father every night. "There is nothing I can do to take away their pain," she said.