Colorado Man Charged After Killing Ex-Girlfriend, Pushing Her Body in Shopping Cart Before Dumping It in Park Trash Can
WESTMINSTER, COLORADO — Authorities in Colorado have charged a 38-year-old man with first-degree murder after police say he killed the mother of his children, then pushed her body around in a shopping cart for days before discarding her remains in a trash can at a public park.
The suspect, Thomas Perales, is accused in the killing of Annette Valdez, 37, whose body was discovered near Willowbrook Park in Westminster, a northern suburb of Denver. Prosecutors say the case represents a devastating example of domestic violence escalating to homicide.
Victim Found Dead in Park Trash Can
On December 4, the Westminster Police Department announced it was investigating a suspicious death after Valdez’s body was found inside a garbage can near Willowbrook Park. Investigators later confirmed her death was being treated as a homicide.
Local media reported that Valdez’s body may have been in the trash can for up to six days before being discovered. Authorities have not yet released an official cause of death, stating that forensic testing is still underway.
Police quickly focused on Thomas Perales, who was reportedly the last person seen with Valdez before her death.
Arrest and Chilling Allegations
Perales was arrested on December 5, one day after Valdez’s body was found. According to investigators, Perales was homeless at the time and allegedly admitted to killing Valdez.
Police say Perales told officers that after killing her, he “paraded her around”, allegedly transporting her body from place to place inside a shopping cart. Authorities believe he ultimately left her body near a creek before disposing of it in a park trash can.
The 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office charged Perales with:
- First-degree murder
- Tampering with a deceased human body
- Domestic violence as a habitual offender
- Two counts of violation of a protection order
History of Domestic Violence and Protection Orders
Valdez’s family says her death followed years of documented domestic abuse. Her brother, Adam Larson, told local media that the family repeatedly tried to help Valdez leave Perales.
“We tried so much to get her away from him, and every single time she went right back to him,” Larson said. “All she could say is, ‘That’s my kid’s father.’”
Larson added that he suspected Perales immediately after learning of his sister’s death.
“I had a feeling it was him,” he said.
Authorities say Valdez had previously obtained protection orders against Perales. One of the most recent domestic violence incidents occurred shortly before her death, when Valdez called her mother while watching Perales on a Ring doorbell camera.
Police allege Perales attempted to break into her apartment, damaging the door and rubbing paint on the security camera in an apparent effort to disable it.
Recent Jail Release Raises Questions
Perales had been released from jail on November 21, just weeks before Valdez was killed. Family members say the system failed to protect her despite repeated warnings and court involvement.
“She didn’t have the resources that she needed to be able to feel that safety,” said Analisa Larson, Adam Larson’s wife. “I think they hand you a piece of paper and say, ‘Here is a protection order’ … well what do you do with that when he keeps coming back?”
The case has reignited concerns about enforcement of protection orders and the lack of resources available to domestic violence survivors.
Community Remembers Annette Valdez
Valdez is being remembered as a devoted mother and loved family member. A GoFundMe fundraiser created in her honor describes her as “a beloved daughter, sister, mother, and friend, taken from us far too soon due to domestic violence.”
“Our family is devastated beyond words, struggling to come to terms with this unimaginable tragedy,” the fundraiser states. “Annette was a light in our lives—her kindness, laughter, and love touched everyone who knew her.”
Case Moves Forward in Colorado Courts
Perales remains in custody as the case proceeds through Colorado’s court system. Prosecutors have not yet announced a trial date, and investigators say additional details may be released pending autopsy results and forensic analysis.
The killing has drawn renewed attention to the dangers faced by domestic violence victims — particularly those with prior protection orders and ongoing contact with their abusers.
As Westminster and the greater Denver area process this horrific case, advocates are calling for stronger safeguards to prevent similar tragedies.
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