What happened to Leroy Vallejos after his arrest?

After his arrest, Leroy Vallejos was charged with first-degree murder and other offenses related to his mother's death. He was later ruled incompetent to stand trial and committed to the New Mexico Behavioral Health Institute for treatment. He has also been indicted for a second murder.

Who was Ernestina Lucero?

Ernestina Lucero was Leroy Vallejos's 69-year-old mother, whose dismembered remains were discovered in a freezer at her Albuquerque home by police during a welfare check on October 28, 2025.

What are the charges against Leroy Vallejos?

Leroy Vallejos was initially charged with first-degree murder, battery, battery of a household member, and tampering with evidence related to his mother's death. He has since been additionally indicted for the murder and tampering with evidence of Jose Angel Frias.

What is the current status of Leroy Vallejos's case?

As of May 30, 2026, Leroy Vallejos remains committed to the New Mexico Behavioral Health Institute for treatment to restore his competency to stand trial. His cases for both murders remain open and pending.

true-crime · Albuquerque, New Mexico

What happened after police found a mother's remains in her son's freezer?

What happened?

After police discovered the dismembered remains of Ernestina Lucero in her son Leroy Vallejos's freezer, he was arrested and charged with her murder and tampering with evidence. Vallejos was later deemed incompetent to stand trial and committed for treatment, and has since been indicted for a second murder.

Interim public outcome

Last checked: Jun 13, 2026

Sources: Law and Crime News; Law&Crime BodyCam (YouTube); Law&Crime BodyCam (YouTube)

Timeline

Sep 12, 2025
An employee from a care company reported no contact with Ernestina Lucero since this date.
Oct 17, 2025
Ernestina Lucero's niece reported her missing.
Oct 28, 2025
Police found Ernestina Lucero's dismembered remains in a freezer at her home during a welfare check; Leroy Vallejos confessed to the murder approximately three weeks prior.
Nov 5, 2025
Leroy Vallejos was arrested and charged with first-degree murder, battery, battery of a household member, and tampering with evidence.
Dec 2025
A court ruled Leroy Vallejos incompetent to stand trial and committed him to the New Mexico Behavioral Health Institute.
May 30, 2026
Leroy Vallejos remains committed for competency restoration and has been indicted for the murder and tampering with evidence of Jose Angel Frias.

What happened?

Timeline

Receipts