Westminster, Colorado — A sense of loss permeates the community as family members mourn the tragic death of Annette Marie Valdez, a mother of three girls. Valdez, 37, was reported missing over Thanksgiving, and her body was discovered near Willowbrook Park on December 4. Her family alleges a long history of escalating domestic violence leading up to her death.
Valdez’s ex-partner, Thomas Perales, was arrested the day after her remains were found. He is facing alleged charges of murder and violating a protection order that Valdez reportedly filed shortly before her disappearance. According to family members, this order was a critical step in a years-long struggle that Valdez faced in an abusive relationship with Perales, the father of her children.
Family and friends revealed that Valdez endured more than a decade of violence, recounting a cycle of abuse that often drew her back to Perales despite repeated attempts to escape. “We’ve tried so much to get her away from him,” said her brother Adam Larson. “But every time, she went right back.”
Court documents indicate that Perales has a history of domestic violence incidents dating back to 2011, with at least 15 allegations over the years. Her sister-in-law, Analisa Larson, noted that such trauma can deeply affect a person’s decision-making. “She is a domestic violence victim… it changes your brain,” she explained, adding that Valdez had recently taken steps to leave Perales for good.
After Valdez went missing, her family took matters into their own hands, distributing flyers and tirelessly searching areas frequented by Perales. “It was day in, day out, just searching,” Adam said, taking time off from work to lead the efforts. Members of the local homeless community also joined the search, providing tips that ultimately helped direct police to Perales.
In light of their tragic loss, the family is sharing Valdez’s story to highlight the seriousness of domestic violence and encourage others to recognize its warning signs. “This was domestic violence,” said Analisa, fighting back tears. “People need to understand that it happens in real families and communities. It steals lives.”
As the legal proceedings unfold, Valdez’s three daughters are now in the care of relatives. Analisa emphasized the role Valdez played in their lives. “She was the primary parent. She did everything,” she remarked, underlining how devastating this loss is for the girls during a time that should be filled with joy.
To cover funeral expenses, the family has launched a fundraising campaign, with any additional contributions earmarked to support the children. Meanwhile, the Adams County District Attorney’s Office is working to determine the appropriate charges against Perales, as the investigation continues.