Search Results for: Albuquerque

New Mexico man kills mother, dismembers body, lives with remains for weeks

Albuquerque, NM

A man has been arrested for allegedly murdering his mother and storing her dismembered remains in a freezer. Leroy Felix Vallejos, 49, faces charges of murder and tampering with evidence after the body of 69-year-old Ernestina Lucero was discovered at their home.

Family members reported Lucero missing on Tuesday after Vallejos requested payment from her home health care company despite not having seen her in over a week. Officers conducted a welfare check and found suspicious circumstances surrounding her disappearance.

During the search of the home, police discovered suspected human remains inside a freezer. Vallejos allegedly admitted to killing his mother by choking her to death approximately three weeks prior.

Cops also found blood stains and learned he withdrew money from her bank account and sold her car before she was declared missing. Vallejos was taken into custody on Wednesday and is currently held without bond at the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center.

Security guard kills suspected shoplifter in Spirit Halloween brawl

Albuquerque, NM A man was shot and killed during an altercation involving a security guard at a Spirit Halloween store. Josiah Armijo, 25, has been charged with second-degree murder in the incident that resulted in the death of Chase Beltramo, 41.

The confrontation occurred on Thursday around 5 p.m. when Beltramo allegedly took items from the store without paying. Armijo attempted to detain him, leading to a physical struggle.

Witnesses reported seeing the two men fight inside and outside the store. Armijo reportedly drew his firearm during the altercation and fired multiple shots, striking Beltramo in the torso and buttocks. Beltramo later succumbed to his injuries.

Shortly after the gunfire, Armijo called for assistance, indicating that shots had been fired. Store surveillance footage captured parts of the incident, which is under investigation.

Prosecutors found probable cause for Armijo’s initial actions relating to theft but determined the use of deadly force was not justified. The underlining cost of the items allegedly taken by Beltramo was reported to be less than $90.

Gory motel murder: Woman sentenced to life for brutal hatchet killing

ALBUQUERQUE, NM — A woman has been sentenced to life in prison for her role in the murder of a man at a motel. Angel Salazar, 40, received her sentence for felony murder, second-degree murder, and tampering with evidence connected to the killing of Ramon Martinez. Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman announced the sentencing on Thursday.

Salazar’s jury conviction occurred in August. On the morning of Tuesday, September 5, Martinez was sitting outside a room at the Days Inn on Central Avenue in Albuquerque. Salazar, along with an unidentified male, approached Martinez just before 10 a.m. and followed him inside the room.

According to law enforcement, the unidentified suspect wore brass knuckles before entering the room. About 30 minutes later, the two suspects emerged with blood on their arms, indicating the victim was likely killed during that time frame.

Bregman stated, “Martinez was struck more than 80 times with a hatchet.” Security footage showed Salazar and the unidentified male entering the room and leaving with Martinez’s belongings, along with Salazar’s bloody footprints visible as she exited the scene.

At approximately 5 p.m. the same day, police discovered Martinez’s body inside the motel. A blood trail was observed leading from the room to the street about 100 feet away. The victim sustained multiple injuries, including wounds to his head and shoulder, with blood found on both beds in the room.

Salazar was located near another hotel less than a mile from the murder site. After her detention, she requested medical attention for fentanyl withdrawal and a cut to her finger. Authorities reported that she declined to make any statements during the investigation.

Under New Mexico law, individuals sentenced to life in prison are eligible for parole after 30 years.

Salazar’s gruesome crime marks a chilling chapter in Albuquerque’s history of violent incidents.