Full Breakdown
Allegations of Murder and Domestic Violence in Colorado Case
12/11/2025, 1:30:32 AM
Overview of the Incident
Thomas Perales, a homeless individual with a history of domestic violence, is accused of murdering his ex-partner, Annette Marie Valdez, in Westminster, Colorado. Valdez's body was discovered in a trash can on December 4, six days after she was reported missing on Thanksgiving. Perales, who had been released from jail just a week prior to her disappearance, is expected to face charges including second-degree murder, abuse of a corpse, and violation of a protection order.
Background of Domestic Violence
Valdez, a 37-year-old mother of three, had a documented history of domestic violence involving Perales. Court records indicate that Valdez had called the police 67 times over the past two years, with nine of those calls specifically related to domestic violence incidents. Valdez's family had been actively trying to help her sever ties with Perales, expressing concern for her safety. Valdez's brother, Adam Larson, noted that despite their efforts, she often returned to Perales, citing him as the father of her children.
Timeline of Events
- October 24: Perales attempted to forcibly enter Valdez's apartment while she called her mother for help. He was charged with domestic violence and violating a protection order.
- November 21: Perales was released from jail after serving a sentence for the October incident.
- November 28 (Thanksgiving): Valdez was last seen alive.
- December 4: Valdez's body was found in a trash can.
Official Statements & Responses
Following the discovery of Valdez's body, authorities revealed that injuries to her neck were consistent with trauma sustained before her death. Perales reportedly told detectives that he "blacked out" during an argument with Valdez and later panicked after finding her dead. He allegedly transported her body in a shopping cart, wrapped in blankets, to dispose of it.
Criticism & Opposition
Valdez's family has criticized the judicial system for allowing Perales to remain free despite his repeated violations of protection orders. They expressed frustration over the lack of effective measures to protect Valdez, emphasizing that they had tried numerous times to help her escape the abusive relationship. Larson's wife, Analisa, highlighted the emotional toll on Valdez's daughters, who are now left without their mother during the holiday season.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the coroner's preliminary assessment indicated trauma consistent with foul play, the extent of decomposition limited the investigation's findings. There are no conflicting reports regarding the circumstances of Valdez's death, but the timeline of events leading to her murder raises questions about the effectiveness of protective measures in domestic violence cases.
Verbatim Quotes
- “You know I killed my wife and paraded her around?” — Thomas Perales, during police questioning.
- “We’ve tried so much to get her away from him. Every single time she went right back [saying], ‘That’s my kids’ father,” — Adam Larson, Valdez’s brother.
- “Their mom was gone and it’s about to be Christmas. We don’t even know what to say to them right now,” — Analisa Larson, Valdez’s sister-in-law.
Perales is scheduled to make his first court appearance soon, with the Adams County District Attorney’s Office expected to announce formal charges shortly.
