Arlington Police Department Under Fire After Woman Who Made Complaint Against Police Officer Found Dead

Evelia Villa Valencia

Arlington, Texas

A disturbing report is circulating out of Arlington, casting dark clouds over the Arlington Police Department and a former police officer. 

Residents are calling for a federal investigation into the Arlington Police Department, after a lengthy delay of information regarding the death of 29-year-old Evelia Villa Valencia. Ironically, the victim made a complaint recently against an Arlington police officer that led to his termination on May 12. While there have been no arrests made at this time, a local television station has learned the officer is “a person of interest” in the homicide. The Arlington woman accused the officer of forcing her to take off her clothes in front of him.

Valencia, 29, was killed Monday afternoon after dropping off two of her children at school. She returned to her apartment with her 3-month-old daughter and was attacked.

Those who knew Valencia said that she had been "terrified" for months of an Arlington officer against whom she had filed a complaint.

 

A spokesman for the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) criticized the Arlington Police Department, saying it should have publicly notified the community of the death before Friday.

"My perception is they sat on it," said Lico Reyes, LULAC.

Arlington Police are not commenting on the circumstances of the officer’s termination or the specifics of the investigation.