Shocking details have emerged from New Mexico in a disturbing murder case that has left both investigators and the public shaken. A middle-aged man is accused of killing his own mother in her home, cutting up her body, hiding her remains in a freezer, and then continuing his daily life for weeks as if nothing had happened.
New Mexico Man Accused of Killing and Dismembering His Mother
Leroy Felix Vallejos, 49, has been charged with multiple serious crimes, including two counts of first-degree murder, battery, tampering with evidence, and abuse of a resident resulting in death. According to records from the Bernalillo County Jail, the charges are linked to the death of his 69-year-old mother, Ernestina Lucero.
Police believe Lucero was killed sometime in the fall of 2025 at her home on Rhode Island Street NE in Albuquerque.
Missing Person Report Raises Red Flags
In October 2025, Lucero was reported missing by concerned family members and neighbours. Around the same time, Vallejos allegedly contacted his mother’s home health care company, asking to be paid even though he claimed he had not seen her for over a week. This unusual request immediately raised suspicions.
According to a criminal complaint obtained by KRQE, police later went to the home to conduct a welfare check. Vallejos allowed officers inside and told them his mother had gone to Mexico on holiday with her boyfriend.
However, investigators became doubtful when they found Lucero’s medication still inside the bathroom, suggesting she had not travelled anywhere.
Gruesome Discovery Inside the Freezer
During their search of the house, officers checked a chest freezer. After moving aside frozen food boxes, they discovered garbage bags containing human remains, which appeared to belong to an adult woman.
Body-worn camera footage later showed the tense moments after the discovery. When an officer asked Vallejos to step outside, he complied calmly. Moments later, he was placed under arrest.
One officer can be heard saying plainly that Lucero was “in the freezer.”
Confession and Disturbing Claims
A deeper search of the home revealed bloodstains under the sink, according to police. During a custodial interview, Vallejos allegedly confessed to strangling his mother to death about three weeks earlier.
He claimed Lucero was conspiring against him and believed she was part of a dark group involved in supernatural practices. At one point, Vallejos told detectives that his mother had used “witchcraft” on him.
In recorded interviews, he admitted to using an electric saw to dismember her body and said he placed her remains in the freezer afterward.
Complex Relationship and Expressions of Regret
During questioning, Vallejos spoke at length about his strained relationship with his mother. He said he spent years trying to please her and make her happy.
At times, he appeared emotional and regretful, telling detectives he “went off” without thinking and wished the situation had never happened. He also claimed he had considered turning himself in but worried about what would happen to his dogs if he did.
Mental Health and Court Proceedings
In December 2025, a court ruled that Vallejos was not competent to stand trial. Earlier this month, he was committed to the New Mexico Behavioral Health Institute to receive mental health treatment.
He will remain there until doctors determine he is mentally fit to understand the charges and participate in his defence.
