The Fontana Police Department subjected Thomas Perez Jr. to a relentless 17-hour interrogation, wrongly accusing him of killing his father, who was later found to be alive and well.
During the intense interrogation, Perez Jr. was subjected to extreme psychological pressure. Footage from the session shows him in severe distress—crying, pulling out his hair, tearing off his shirt, and lying next to his dog. Officers further threatened to euthanize his dog if he did not confess to the alleged crime.
Throughout the 17-hour ordeal, detectives repeatedly insisted that Perez Jr.’s father, Thomas Perez Sr., was dead. This false information, combined with the threats and psychological pressure, led Perez Jr. to break down and falsely confess to the crime.
Unbeknownst to him, his father was alive and completely unaware of the situation, later contacting the police to clarify his whereabouts and condition.
The revelation that Thomas Perez Sr. was alive brought the truth to light and exposed the severe misconduct by the Fontana Police Department.
As a result, Perez Jr. filed a lawsuit against the City of Fontana, alleging psychological torture. The case was settled for nearly $900,000, underscoring the gravity of the situation and the emotional trauma inflicted on Perez Jr.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage and calls for accountability and reform within the Fontana Police Department. Critics argue that the interrogation tactics were not only unethical but also illegal, constituting a severe violation of human rights.
As Thomas Perez Jr. works to recover from the traumatic experience, the community and legal experts continue to debate the implications of the case and the urgent necessity for reform in police interrogation practices.
