Man Found Dead in Police SUV After Release in Azusa

Officers in Azusa, California, discovered the body of 37-year-old Eric Valencia decomposing in the backseat of an out-of-service patrol vehicle parked directly outside police headquarters on March 26. The father of two had been released from custody at the same station just three days earlier and voluntarily entered the unlocked SUV, according to surveillance footage released by authorities.

Valencia was arrested on March 20 after police pulled him over for driving without headlights and observed signs of intoxication, including watery and bloodshot eyes and the smell of alcohol. His blood-alcohol level was twice the legal limit, and two children were in the vehicle at the time, leading to charges of driving under the influence and child endangerment. He was booked into the local jail and held over the weekend.

On March 23, Valencia was released pending further investigation. Video from the police station shows him exiting the building around lunchtime, appearing in good health and without distress. He carried his personal belongings, including a fully charged cell phone, and received extra food from officers. Moments later, surveillance captured him walking to the nearby patrol...