Laura Perez, a 25-year-old Escondido police officer, was tragically killed on July 23, 2014, in Murrieta, California. Her husband, Freddy Perez-Rodas, was arrested and charged with her murder. The incident began with a house fire at their residence on Grand Oaks Court, which was later determined to be an arson. Firefighters arrived at the scene and found no victims inside the home, but Perez-Rodas reported his wife missing, raising suspicions among investigators. During questioning, Perez-Rodas admitted to killing Laura Perez and attempting to cover up the crime by setting their house on fire. He led investigators to a storage locker in Moreno Valley, where he had hidden her body. Laura Perez had been shot three times in the chest.
Freddy Perez-Rodas was subsequently charged with murder, arson, and child endangerment. The couple's 4-year-old daughter was unharmed and placed in the care of family members. The case proceeded to trial, and on October 7, 2015, Perez-Rodas was convicted of second-degree murder and arson. He faced a sentence of 49 years to life in prison. The tragic death of Laura Perez marked the first violent death of an Escondido police officer, either on or off duty. Her colleagues and the community mourned her loss, remembering her as a dedicated officer with a bright future.
