New Mexico Man Arrested for Allegedly Killing and Dismembering 69-Year-Old Mother, Storing Remains in Freezer
Albuquerque, N.M. — A 49-year-old man has been arrested on charges of allegedly killing and dismembering his 69-year-old mother, then hiding her remains in a freezer for several weeks. Leroy Vallejos, the suspect, was booked into the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center on Wednesday and charged with first-degree murder, battery, and tampering with evidence.
According to reports, Vallejos confessed to choking his mother to death nearly three weeks ago, leading to his arrest. Authorities discovered the body of Ernestina Lucero during a welfare check at her home after Vallejos reported her missing for about a week but continued to claim she was under his care.
During the search, police found garbage bags inside a large freezer containing the remains of a female, prompting further investigation. Additional evidence, including a saw with dried blood stains and the sale of her vehicle, has emerged as part of the ongoing inquiry.
Vallejos’ alleged motive remains unclear, though he reportedly claimed his mother was part of a ‘group of people giving their lives to darkness’ who were conspiring against him. The Albuquerque Police Department has not provided further details, but the case has drawn significant local attention given the severity of the alleged crime.