Thomas Perez Jr. was awarded a $900,000 settlement following a 17-hour interrogation by the Fontana Police Department that led to a false murder confession. Perez, who reported his father missing on August 8, 2018, was taken in for questioning and subjected to what his attorney called “psychological torture.” Police told Perez his father was dead and that they had evidence of his involvement. They even brought in his dog, threatening to euthanize her, which led Perez to falsely confess to stabbing his father.
In reality, Perez’s father was alive and with a “lady friend.” The traumatic experience caused Perez to attempt suicide in the interrogation room. He was then placed in a mental hospital without being informed that his father was alive. The police obtained a new warrant to search Perez’s home for evidence of an assault on an unknown victim, further complicating the situation.
Perez’s attorney, Jerry Steering, criticized the police for their cruel tactics and highlighted the issue of qualified immunity that often protects law enforcement from misconduct lawsuits. The U.S. District Court Judge Dolly Gee noted that detectives had reasonable cause for suspicion but condemned their methods, which led to Perez’s false confession and suicide attempt.
The incident has drawn national attention to the potential for police to extract false confessions under intense psychological pressure. One officer involved has retired, while the other three remain employed by the Fontana Police Department. The department has not commented on the case.
If you or someone you know needs help with mental health, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor. If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or has had thoughts of harming themselves or taking their own life, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) provides 24/7, free, confidential support for people in distress.
