Man Found Dead in Parked Police Car Outside Station

Family demands answers after Eric Valencia's body discovered in squad car

Mar. 29, 2026 at 7:40pm

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The body of 37-year-old Eric Valencia was found in the back of a parked police car outside the Azusa, California police station last week. Valencia had been arrested on suspicion of DUI but was later released due to lack of evidence. His family filed a missing persons report after they couldn't find him, and his body was discovered three days later in the back of an out-of-service squad car. The police chief acknowledged the vehicle 'should have been secured' and an independent firm has been hired to investigate the incident.

Why it matters

The mysterious death of Eric Valencia in a parked police car has raised serious questions about police procedures and accountability. The Azusa community is demanding transparency from the police department, and the incident has sparked concerns about the treatment of individuals in police custody.

The details

According to police, Eric Valencia was arrested on March 23 on suspicion of driving under the influence but was later released due to lack of evidence. After his family couldn't find him, they filed a missing persons report. Three days later, on March 26, Valencia's body was discovered in the back seat of an out-of-service police car that was parked in front of the Azusa police station. The police chief acknowledged the patrol car 'should have been secured' and an independent firm has been hired to investigate the incident, including determining why the vehicle was not locked. A criminal investigation is also underway.

  • On March 23, Valencia was arrested on suspicion of DUI but later released.
  • On March 26, Valencia's body was found in the back of a parked police car outside the Azusa police station.

The players

Eric Valencia

A 37-year-old man who was found dead in the back of a parked police car outside the Azusa police station.

Rocky Wenrick

The Chief of Police in Azusa, who acknowledged the patrol car 'should have been secured.'

Mabel Torres

The mother of a friend of Eric Valencia, who described him as a 'kind hearted man.'

Andrea

Eric Valencia's cousin, who demanded accountability for his death.

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What they’re saying

“'We don't know what took place here. He was pronounced deceased here, you know, in front of the police station. Doesn't make any sense to any of us.'”

— Family member

“'May justice be served I will pray hard for everything to come to light cause you didn't deserve to go out this way.'”

— Mabel Torres, Mother of Valencia's friend

“'Please keep my family in prayer and bring justice for cousin Eric Valencia.'”

— Andrea, Valencia's cousin

What’s next

The Azusa Police Department has hired an independent firm to conduct a full investigation into the incident, including determining how Valencia entered the vehicle and how long he was inside before his body was discovered. The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner is also expected to perform an autopsy to determine the cause of death.

The takeaway

The mysterious death of Eric Valencia in a parked police car has shaken the Azusa community and raised serious questions about police procedures and accountability. The incident highlights the need for greater transparency and oversight in law enforcement, as well as the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals in police custody.