Thomas Perales Charged in Death of Mother Found in Westminster Park
Prosecutors charged 36 year old Thomas Perales with first degree murder and related offenses after the body of 37 year old Annette Marie Valdez was discovered in a trash can in a Westminster park. The case raises urgent questions about domestic violence, witness reporting, and community safety as investigators continue their work.
On December 11 prosecutors filed charges against Thomas Perales that include first degree murder, violation of a protection order domestic violence, abuse of a corpse and tampering with evidence in the death of 37 year old Annette Marie Valdez. Valdez, a mother of three, was found in a trash can in a park in Westminster. Authorities say she likely died between November 28 and December 4 2025. Perales was arrested on December 5.
Investigators say witness accounts placed Perales moving a body wrapped in blankets and pushing a shopping cart in the area before the discovery. Police and prosecutors described the investigation as ongoing while they build the case. It was not yet clear whether Perales had retained counsel or entered a plea at the time charges were filed.
Family members and local contacts described a history of domestic issues between Valdez and Perales. Relatives told reporters that Valdez repeatedly returned to Perales because "that’s my kids’ father." The presence of a protection order is reflected in the violation charge, and that detail underscores the complex dynamics that often surround intimate partner violence and the risks for family members who remain connected to an alleged abuser.
The immediate impact on the Westminster community includes shock and concern for the victim's children and for neighbors who may have seen or heard activity that could help investigators. Residents can expect continued police activity in the area while detectives follow leads and process evidence. Witness reports have already played a role in the case and may be critical as prosecutors prepare for any upcoming hearings.
Practical relevance extends beyond this single case. The charges highlight how protection orders can be implicated in escalating violence and how community reporting of suspicious behavior can move an investigation forward. Officials continue to investigate and will release further details as the case proceeds through the criminal justice system.
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