WESTMINSTER, CO – Known to her loved ones as a devoted mother and a source of unwavering warmth, Annette Valdez’s life was cut tragically short this month in what authorities are calling a homicide stemming from domestic violence. Valdez, 37, was remembered by family and friends as a caring woman whose untimely death has left a community reeling and searching for answers.
Police discovered Valdez’s body in a trash bin near Willowbrook Park, a quiet neighborhood in Westminster, just north of Denver, on December 4. Investigators believe that Valdez may have died up to six days before her remains were found. The discovery sparked grief and outrage among those who say she should have been better protected from the man now accused of taking her life.
Authorities quickly arrested Thomas Perales, 38, Valdez’s former partner and the father of her children. Perales faces multiple felony charges, including first-degree murder, tampering with a deceased human body, habitual domestic violence offenses, and violating protection orders. According to police, Perales was seen transporting Valdez’s body in a shopping cart for several days before eventually disposing of her remains.
Valdez’s family has described a harrowing history of abuse, sharing that years of violence had preceded her death. Despite repeated attempts by relatives to help her distance herself from Perales, they say Valdez struggled to break free. Loved ones recalled that she often cited her children as a reason for maintaining contact with their father.
The case has drawn renewed scrutiny to the challenges faced by victims seeking protection from abusers. Investigators revealed that just days prior to her death, Valdez reported an incident in which Perales attempted to break into her home, damaging property and tampering with security cameras. At the time, Perales had recently been released from jail, and Valdez had sought legal protection.
Family members have voiced frustration and heartbreak over what they describe as a lack of meaningful support from the system. Relatives said they believe more tools and resources are needed to safeguard those vulnerable to repeated abuse, suggesting that court-issued protection can often fall short when not coupled with additional safety measures and assistance.
Valdez’s brother, Adam Larson, shared that the family had tried multiple times to remove her from the dangerous relationship, but each attempt was met with hesitation from Valdez, who expressed loyalty and concern for her children. Loved ones say intervention efforts were hampered by a series of missed opportunities and systemic failures.
Those who knew Valdez say she was a loving daughter, sister, and friend, known for her kindness and the joy she brought to others. A fundraiser created in her memory describes her as someone whose laughter and compassion left a lasting impact on anyone she encountered.
While the investigation continues, the community is left grappling with the loss of a woman cherished by many and the painful reality that her death could potentially have been prevented. Autopsy results are still pending as officials work to determine her exact cause of death.
The accused, Thomas Perales, remains in custody as the legal process unfolds. Valdez’s family continues to mourn and calls for changes that might prevent future tragedies stemming from domestic violence.