An alleged killer in Colorado is facing charges for the murder of his ex-partner, Annette Marie Valdez, after her body was found in a trash can six days after she went missing. Thomas Perales, who had a history of violating protection orders taken out by Valdez, was released from jail just a week before the killing.
According to court documents, Perales, a homeless serial offender, is expected to be charged with second-degree murder, abuse of a corpse, and violating a protection order. He confessed to detectives that he had an argument with Valdez on Thanksgiving, blacked out, and accidentally killed her by putting his hand over her mouth while holding her in a headlock. Panicking, he wrapped her body in blankets and placed it in a trash can he retrieved from a nearby Safeway.
Valdez’s family revealed that Perales had been homeless for at least two years and had a reputation within the homeless community for pushing her body around in a shopping cart. The injuries found on Valdez’s neck suggested trauma before her death, although decomposition hindered a full assessment.
Valdez’s family had long been trying to get her to cut ties with Perales, as he had a history of domestic violence and repeatedly violated protection orders. In one incident in October, he attempted to break into her apartment with a knife, causing damage to the door and surrounding areas.
Despite Perales’ violent history, he was sentenced to probation and released from jail just before Valdez went missing. Her family was devastated by her death, especially with Christmas approaching and her three daughters now staying with extended family.
Perales is set to appear in court, and the Adams County District Attorney’s Office is expected to make a formal charging decision soon. The tragic case highlights the importance of taking domestic violence seriously and the need for better protection measures for victims like Valdez.
