Fontana police pressure man during 17-hour murder interrogation

In Fontana, California, Tom Perez called the police when he couldn't locate his elderly father, leading to a 17-hour interrogation filled with accusations of murder. During the interrogation, officers pressured Perez, suggesting he had killed his father and needed to confess. Despite his denials, the police continued to insist on his involvement, even bringing in a friend to elicit a confession. The situation escalated as detectives drove Perez around, trying to locate a supposed crime scene. As the interrogation progressed, it became evident that at least one detective was aware that Perez's father was alive. However, this crucial information was withheld from both Perez and his father, who was eventually found unharmed. The police's failure to communicate this fact raised serious ethical concerns about their conduct during the investigation. After the ordeal, Perez's father visited him, expressing disbelief at the accusations and relief that he was alive. The emotional reunion highlighted the distress caused by the police's actions. Despite the father being found safe, the police continued to pursue the case against Perez, indicating a troubling disregard for the truth. The incident has drawn criticism from experts in police procedure, who argue that the tactics used by the Fontana police crossed ethical lines. The case has since led to a civil suit, raising questions about the integrity of the investigation and the treatment of individuals during interrogations.