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New Mexico man allegedly kills mother, stores dismembered remains in home freezer for weeks: Report

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New Mexico man allegedly kills mother, stores dismembered remains in home freezer for weeks: Report

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An Albuquerque, N.M., man has been arrested on charges of allegedly killing and dismembering his mother before placing her remains in a freezer, according to reports.

Court records show 49-year-old Leroy Vallejos was booked into the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center on Wednesday. He is charged with first-degree murder, battery, battery of a household member and tampering with evidence, and is being held under preventative detention.

The Albuquerque Police Department alleged that Vallejos admitted to an officer that he choked his 69-year-old mother, Ernestina Lucero, to death nearly three weeks ago, KRQE in Albuquerque reported.

Police said Vallejos claimed his mother was part of a “group of people giving their lives to darkness” who were conspiring against him.

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Leroy Vallejos, 49, was booked into the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center on Oct. 29, 2025, after being charged with killing and dismembering his 69-year-old mother, according to court records. (Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center)

Police reportedly conducted a welfare check at Lucero’s home last Tuesday after Vallejos told a healthcare company his mother had been missing for about a week. He allegedly called the company to request payment for her care despite not having seen her.

During the welfare check, Vallejos let officers inside and told them his mother had gone to Mexico. But as they looked around, officers reportedly found Lucero’s prescriptions still in her bedroom.

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A general overall aerial view of the downtown Albuquerque skyline on Feb. 16, 2024 in Albuquerque, N.M. (Kirby Lee/Getty Images)

One officer allegedly found garbage bags inside a large freezer that were later determined to contain the remains of a female, the station reported.

The discovery led to another search of the home, where officers found a saw with what appeared to be dried blood stains under a sink.

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Leroy Vallejos, 49, was booked into the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center on Oct. 29, 2025, after being charged with killing and dismembering his 69-year-old mother, according to court records.  (iStock)

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Before the welfare check, another family member reportedly told police Lucero was missing, prompting the department to issue a missing person bulletin on Oct. 23 and launch an investigation.

A preliminary investigation found that Vallejos allegedly withdrew money from his mother’s account, and her vehicle was reportedly sold before she was reported missing.

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The Albuquerque Police Department did not respond to Fox News Digital’s request for additional information on the matter.

The investigation remains ongoing.

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Los Angeles, Ca

Southern California hits hottest day of its extreme heat warning

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Southern California hits hottest day of its extreme heat warning

Southern California remains under an extreme heat warning as residents brace for the hottest day of the week on Wednesday.

“It will be roasty toasty in the valleys, lower mountain elevations and far interior, with highs ranging from 100 to 110 degrees,” the National Weather Service said. The warmest conditions are expected in the western San Fernando Valley.

An extreme heat warning remains in effect for much of Southern California until 8 p.m. Thursday. Forecasters say there is a high risk of heat-related illness for anyone outdoors for extended periods. Heat advisories are also in place for areas along the coast.

“Highs for today: 98 in Ojai, 100 in Ontario. Temecula, good morning to you, 100 degrees expected there. 112 in Palm Springs. Unbelievably hot,” KTLA’s Kirk Hawkins said Wednesday morning.

Southern California will be under an extreme heat warning from July 14-16, 2026. (National Weather Service)

Residents are urged to adjust their afternoon plans to limit strenuous outdoor activities during the heat of the day, stay hydrated and check in on elderly neighbors and loved ones.

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The Weather Service said record highs are slightly warmer than those forecast for Wednesday. As a result, despite the extremely hot conditions, few, if any, temperature records are expected to be broken.

A few degrees of cooling are expected Thursday, but a more significant cooldown will arrive Friday as onshore winds increase.

Afternoon highs are expected to cool even more over the weekend, with below-average temperatures possible in some areas.

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Los Angeles, Ca

Stabbing at Chino Hills liquor store ends in attempted murder arrest

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Stabbing at Chino Hills liquor store ends in attempted murder arrest

A Chino Hills man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following a violent incident at a local liquor store, authorities announced Tuesday.

The July 13 incident occurred around 5 p.m. in the 4000 block of Descanso Avenue, according to the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department, which responded to reports of a stabbing at the location.

Arriving deputies found a stabbing victim inside the store and rendered medical aid until personnel with the Chino Valley Fire District arrived. The victim was transported to Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center, where he remains in stable condition.

While being treated at the scene, investigators said the victim repeatedly stated that someone named Alex was responsible for the attack.

A 30-year-old man was arrested after stabbing inside a liquor store in the 4000 block of Descanso Avenue on July 13, 2026. (Google)

The suspect, now identified as Hayden Alexander Marquez, 30, was located not far from the liquor store and taken into custody, sheriff’s officials said.

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Investigators did not provide a motive for the stabbing or detail the relationship between the two men.

Marquez was booked into the West Valley Detention Center on suspicion of attempted murder.

Anyone with information about the investigation is urged to contact the Chino Hills Police Station at 909-364-2000. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call the We-Tip hotline at 800-78-CRIME or submit tips online at www.wetip.com.

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Los Angeles, Ca

Big rig crash spills cinder blocks on 101 Freeway; lanes blocked in Tarzana

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Big rig crash spills cinder blocks on 101 Freeway; lanes blocked in Tarzana

An early morning crash involving a big rig scattered cinder blocks across the northbound 101 Freeway, prompting a SigAlert in the San Fernando Valley Tuesday. The incident was reported around 4:10 a.m. when a big rig overturned on the freeway at Tampa Avenue. The crash occurred on a stretch of the northbound 101 that curves […]

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