Annette Marie Valdez, a 37-year-old mother of three, was allegedly killed by her ex-boyfriend Thomas Perale in Westminster, Colorado. Valdez's body was found in a trash can on December 4, 2025, six days after she went missing on Thanksgiving. Perale was arrested on December 5 and charged with first-degree murder, violation of a protection order/domestic violence, abuse of a corpse, and tampering with evidence. The couple shared children, and Valdez's family had tried to help her leave Perale due to his history of domestic violence and protection order violations. Perale claimed to have blacked out during an argument and strangled Valdez. After her death, her three daughters are staying with extended family.
Country: United States
State/Province: Colorado, United States
City/Region: Westminster
Incident Type: Murder
Relationship Status: Ex-partners
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Incident Date: Nov. 27, 2025
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How the relationship or connection began.
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2025-11-27
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English labels are shown first. Original-language titles are preserved for source verification.
Original language: English
Colorado Man Accused of Killing Mother of His Children After Her Body Was Found in Trash Can
Domestic Violence
The case involves a history of domestic violence and protection order violations by the suspect against the victim. The relationship ended in separation, but the suspect continued to exert control and violence, culminating in the murder of the victim. The suspect's homelessness and repeated violations of court orders indicate ongoing conflict and escalation.
Thomas Perale was arrested on December 5, 2025, and charged with first-degree murder, violation of a protection order, abuse of a corpse, and tampering with evidence. Police reports indicate 67 calls to police over two years, including nine domestic violence incidents. Witnesses reported seeing Perale moving the victim's body in a shopping cart. The coroner confirmed neck trauma consistent with strangulation. The case is pending with no reported plea or attorney status for Perale.
There is some discrepancy in the murder charge degree between sources (first-degree vs. second-degree). The exact number of children shared by the couple is unclear. The suspect's statement about 'killing his wife' conflicts with the reported ex-partner status. Decomposition limited the coroner's full assessment.
Annette Marie Valdez went missing on November 27, 2025 (Thanksgiving). Thomas Perale allegedly strangled her during an argument and then moved her body wrapped in blankets using a trash can and a shopping cart over several days. Her body was found in a trash can in a park on December 4. Perale was arrested on December 5 after witnesses reported seeing him moving the body. The couple had a history of domestic violence and protection orders. Valdez's family had attempted to help her leave Perale, but she maintained contact due to shared children. The incident followed a pattern of escalating violence and control.
High risk due to repeated domestic violence, protection order violations, and escalation to homicide. The suspect's homelessness and prior criminal history increase vulnerability and risk to the victim.
Repeated domestic violence and protection order violations are critical early warning signs. The suspect's homelessness and lack of stable housing contributed to ongoing risk. Family efforts to intervene were unsuccessful due to the victim's attachment to the suspect as the father of her children. The case highlights the dangers of unresolved domestic conflicts and the importance of enforcement of protection orders.
Repeated domestic violence incidents, protection order violations, and attempts to forcibly enter the victim's home were key early signals.
Witness reports of the suspect moving the victim's body in a shopping cart and the suspect's own admission to police were crucial clues.
Coroner's report of neck trauma, police affidavit, witness statements, and surveillance footage from the victim's home supported the case.
Adam Larson reported hearing that Perale pushed the victim's body in a shopping cart. Several witnesses saw Perale moving a body wrapped in blankets. Family members confirmed Perale's homelessness and history of violence. Police records showed multiple calls to the victim's residence.
Initial reports indicated second-degree murder charges, later updated to first-degree murder. The suspect's legal representation and plea status remain unclear.
Exact relationship duration and number of children shared remain unclear. The suspect's mental state and motive details beyond the argument blackout are not fully reported.