The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office has ruled that Eric Valencia died of hyperthermia after being found in an unlocked, out-of-service police SUV in Azusa. - Valencia, 37, was arrested for DUI and child endangerment on March 23, 2026, and released later that day.
- He was discovered dead in the vehicle on March 26, three days after his release. - The vehicle was left unlocked and due for maintenance; police have launched an independent investigation.
- No force was used during his arrest or custody, and he had a working cellphone when found. The death has been ruled accidental, and the Azusa Police Department is cooperating with an outside law firm to investigate.