The Phantom Murder: The Ordeal of Thomas Perez Jr.

In August 2018, Thomas Perez Jr. found himself living a nightmare in Fontana, California. After reporting his father missing, Perez was subjected to a grueling 17-hour police interrogation.

Officers falsely informed him that his father was dead and implied his beloved dog would be euthanized. Under immense psychological pressure, Perez falsely confessed to murdering his father—a man who was very much alive. This episode of Crime at Bedtime delves into the harrowing details of Perez's coerced confession, the tactics employed by law enforcement, and the profound impact on his life. We also explore the aftermath, including the nearly $900,000 settlement Perez received from the city of Fontana in 2024.

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Crime at bedtime is a show dedicated to those who love all things crime stories, even as you drift off to sleep at night.

So relax take a minute, unwind and let me tell you some fascinating stories.

Crime at Bedtime is written and hosted by Jack Laurence.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

• No. of episodes: 70
• Latest episode: 2025-05-11
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