WESTMINSTER, CO – Authorities in a Denver suburb are investigating the grisly killing of a woman whose body was discovered inside a trash container at a local park, leading to the arrest of her former partner, who is accused of parading her remains in a shopping cart for several days.
Thomas Perales, 38, now faces charges including first-degree murder, tampering with a deceased human body, domestic violence as a habitual offender, and violating a protection order, according to the 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office.
The Westminster Police Department launched a homicide investigation on December 4 after responding to reports of a suspicious death near Willowbrook Park. The victim was identified as 37-year-old Annette Valdez, who police say was found dead in a trash can at the park. It is believed Valdez had been deceased for up to six days prior to the grim discovery.
Perales was taken into custody the following day. Investigators determined Perales, who is homeless, was the last known person to be seen with Valdez, his ex-girlfriend and the mother of his children. Authorities allege Perales admitted responsibility for Valdez’s death, telling police he had been moving her body in a shopping cart before ultimately abandoning her remains by a creek and notifying a witness of their location.
The cause of Valdez’s death remains under investigation, with no official details released by the coroner. However, the tragedy has drawn renewed attention to longstanding concerns over domestic abuse within the relationship.
Family members say Valdez endured persistent abuse before her death. Her brother, Adam Larson, described a yearslong pattern of violence, recounting repeated, unsuccessful efforts to help his sister escape the relationship. According to Larson, Valdez cited her children as her reason for maintaining contact with Perales despite ongoing threats.
Authorities revealed that the most recent incident preceding Valdez’s death unfolded when she called her mother after noticing Perales attempting to break into her apartment. Surveillance footage from a Ring camera captured him damaging her door and smearing paint on the camera lens, according to police reports.
Records show Perales had only recently been released from jail on November 21, weeks before the killing. Valdez’s family has expressed frustration with the criminal justice system, feeling efforts to protect her—including protection orders—were insufficient. They say she lacked the resources needed to ensure her safety, despite formal restraining orders issued against Perales.
As the investigation moves forward, Valdez’s loved ones are mourning her loss and remembering her as a devoted daughter, mother, and friend whose warmth and kindness left a lasting impact. A fundraising campaign online paints a portrait of a woman who brought joy and laughter to those around her and underscores the deep grief following her sudden and violent death.
Perales remains in custody as prosecutors prepare their case. The community continues to grapple with the tragedy, which has reignited calls for more effective support systems for victims of domestic violence.
