WESTMINSTER, Colo. — A 38-year-old man has been charged with first-degree murder and multiple related offenses after his ex-girlfriend was found dead, her body allegedly moved in a shopping cart and later placed in a trash can, just one week after his release from jail, according to prosecutors.
Murder and Disturbing Disposal Allegations
Authorities identified the suspect as Thomas Perales, 38, who was arrested and charged in connection with the killing of his former partner, Valdez. The Adams County District Attorney’s Office announced the charges on December 10, which include first-degree murder, tampering with a deceased body, domestic violence, and two counts of violating a protection order.
Investigators said Perales allegedly killed Valdez during a violent altercation at her Westminster home on Thanksgiving Day. According to the arrest affidavit, Perales told detectives that he “blacked out” during the fight, placing Valdez in a headlock and covering her mouth until she became unresponsive.
Perales then reportedly used a supermarket trash can to move her body out of the apartment. Witnesses later told police they saw him pushing a shopping cart with a body covered in blankets through the area.
Witnesses and Discovery
Members of the local homeless community described seeing Perales in recent days pushing a cart with what appeared to be a covered body inside. According to police, he later told a witness that he had left the victim’s remains near a creek. Authorities eventually located the body inside a trash can, confirming the grim details of the case.
History of Abuse and Repeated Police Calls
Family members told investigators that Valdez had suffered years of domestic abuse at the hands of Perales. Her brother, Adam Larson, said the family made repeated efforts to help her escape the relationship, but she often returned because Perales was the father of her children. Police records show a troubling history — 67 calls to Valdez’s home over the last two years, nine of which involved domestic violence.
Just weeks before the killing, Perales had reportedly tried to break into Valdez’s apartment while she and her three children were inside, causing property damage. He was subsequently arrested and jailed, but released on November 21. Valdez was reported missing a week later.
Charges and Family Impact
Perales remains in custody, facing multiple felony charges, including first-degree murder. Authorities have not disclosed whether additional charges may follow. Valdez’s three children are now staying with extended family, according to KUSA-TV.
The case has renewed scrutiny over domestic violence enforcement and protection order violations, with family members calling for stronger safeguards to prevent similar tragedies. Stay with HonkNews.com for continued updates on this developing Colorado homicide investigation.