Thomas Perez Jr. Wrongly Admitted to Killing His Father After a 17 Hour Interrogation — but His Dad Was Actually Alive the Entire Time. Inside the Troubling Incident

Thomas Perez Jr. reported his father missing on August 8, 2018, in Fontana, California, and quickly became the main suspect in his disappearance. Court documents reveal that Perez Jr. endured an intense 17-hour police interrogation, during which officers falsely claimed his father had died and his dog was about to be euthanized. In an unexpected turn, his father, Thomas Perez Sr., was found alive during the investigation.

The Disappearance That Sparked the Investigation

On August 7, 2018, 71-year-old Thomas Perez Sr. took his dog, Margo, for a short walk to check the mailbox. The dog returned shortly afterward, but Perez Sr. did not. Initially unconcerned, Perez Jr. contacted the local police when his father had still not returned the following afternoon. Officers visiting the home noticed some disorganization and questioned Perez Jr., eventually inviting him to the station for further questioning.

From Concerned Son to Suspect

Perez Jr. initially answered routine questions, not realizing he had become a suspect. After police found Perez Sr.s wallet and phone at home, along with alleged bloodstains and a cadaver dog alert, suspicion grew. Investigators began aggressive questioning, and over the course of August 8-9, Perez Jr. endured sleepless nights and prolonged interrogation sessions. Detectives drove him around the city, suggesting possible burial sites and implying his medication could have led him to commit murder.

Manipulation During Interrogation

Throughout the questioning, officers lied repeatedly, claiming Perez Sr. had died. They also threatened that the family dog would be put down. Perez Jr., exhausted and emotionally overwhelmed, began to panic, pulling at his hair and breaking down. After roughly 17 hours of intense questioning, he apologized to his father and sister, which police interpreted as a confession.

The Shocking Revelation

While Perez Jr. was held under psychiatric evaluation, authorities discovered that Perez Sr. was alive and waiting for a flight at Los Angeles International Airport. Despite knowing this, police delayed informing Perez Jr. for several days. When father and son were finally reunited, Perez Jr. collapsed in relief and tears.

Legal Consequences and Settlement

Following the ordeal, Perez Jr. filed a federal lawsuit against the City of Fontana, claiming psychological coercion and mistreatment during the interrogation. In 2024, the city settled the case, awarding Perez Jr. nearly $900,000, though no wrongdoing was officially admitted.

Aftermath and Reflections

Perez Jr. has openly discussed the trauma he endured, emphasizing the emotional pain caused by being falsely accused. Both he and his father reflected on the experience, noting the lasting impact it had on their trust, sense of safety, and emotional well-being. Perez Jr. described the interrogation as "painful" and a period he wanted to forget, while his father highlighted his role in supporting his son through the aftermath.

Author: Gavin Porter