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Murder in Westminster, Colorado, November 10, 2025

Annette Marie Valdez, 41

Mother of three. Killed during an alleged random encounter.

Released by a judge
  1. Original charge
    Assault, trespassing
    November 1, 2025
  2. Released
    Personal recognizance
    November 3, 2025
  3. 7 days later
    Murder
    November 10, 2025

What happened

Perales is accused of killing Valdez approximately one week after his release from custody. The case has been cited in proposed legislation to tighten Colorado's pretrial release rules.

The release decision

On November 1, 2025, Thomas Perales was charged with assault, trespassing. Judge Pending Identification ordered the release on November 3, 2025. Terms: personal recognizance. Prosecutors had asked for held with bond. The defendant had 7 prior arrests at the time.

The defendant's record

Multiple prior arrests. Homeless. History of violent encounters.

Sources