Police vehicles with flashing lights parked in the street near the incident and a mugshot of Thomas Perales.
WESTMINSTER, Colo [UPDATE 12/10/25] – On Wednesday, the Colorado's 17th Judicial District Attorney's Office announced the filing of a First-Degree Murder charge against Thomas Perales, 38, related to the death of a 37-year-old woman in Westminster.
Perales is charged with:
- First-Degree Murder (F1)
- Tampering with a Deceased Human Body (F3)
- Domestic Violence -- Habitual Offender (F5)
- Violation of a Protection Order (M1) (2 Counts)
The filing of a criminal charge is merely a formal accusation that an individual(s) committed offense(s) under Colorado laws. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. See Colo RPC 3.6.
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Police vehicles with flashing lights parked in the street near the incident and a mugshot of Thomas Perales.
On Friday, WPD, along with assistance from the Thornton Police Department and the Northglenn Police Department, took Thomas Perales, 38, into custody near 120th Ave and I-25 on suspicion of Murder in the Second Degree. Perales is facing a number of charges to include:
- Abuse of a Corpse
- Violation of a Protection Order/Domestic Violence
- Tampering With Physical Evidence
- Murder in the Second Degree
Preliminary information indicates the deceased and Perales knew each other. The deceased individual has been identified as a 37-year-old woman. Official identification will come from the Adams County Coroner’s Office.
The Adams County District Attorney’s Office will make an official charging decision. The filing of a criminal charge is merely a formal accusation that an individual(s) committed offense(s) under Colorado laws. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. See Colo RPC 3.6.
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WESTMINSTER, Colo [UPDATE 12/5/25 12 PM] – The deceased individual has been identified as a 37-year-old woman. Official identification will come from the Adams County Coroner's Office after next of kin is notified. The official cause of death is still unknown and under investigation.
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WESTMINSTER, Colo – The Westminster Police Department is currently investigating a suspicious death reported Thursday afternoon.
Just after 3:30 p.m. on Dec. 4, officers responded to the area near Willowbrook Park (W 124th Ave and Delaware Dr) for reports of a deceased individual.
Out of an abundance of caution, Mountain Range High School and Silver Hills Middle School were placed on secure. Officers worked with school administrators and safely reunited students with their families.
The Adams County Coroner’s Office responded out to the scene. They will release the identity of the deceased and the official cause of death after an autopsy is completed and next of kin is notified.
There is no ongoing threat to the public at this time. This is an ongoing investigation, and more information will be released when available.