Leroy Felix Vallejos, 49, faces multiple felony charges including first-degree murder and tampering with evidence in the death of his 69-year-old mother, Ernestina Lucero, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Incident Summary
Lucero was killed in fall 2025 at her Rhode Island Street NE home, with her dismembered remains found in a chest freezer during a police welfare check in October 2025 after family reported her missing. Vallejos allegedly confessed to choking her about three weeks earlier, claiming paranoia over witchcraft and conspiracies against him, then used an electric saw to dismember the body.
Investigation Details
Officers grew suspicious during the search when Vallejos claimed she was vacationing in Mexico despite her medication being present; bloodstains were found under the sink, and body cam footage captured the freezer discovery leading to his arrest. He had contacted her home health care provider for payment despite not seeing her, and withdrew money from her card while she was missing.
Legal Status
Vallejos was deemed incompetent to stand trial in December 2025 and committed to the New Mexico Behavioral Health Institute for mental health treatment until competency is restored. He expressed some regret in interviews but cited years of frustration in their relationship and concern for his dogs as reasons he delayed surrender.
