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Leroy Vallejos, 49, is facing a murder charge in connection with the death of his mother Ernestina Lucero, 69

Vallejos allegedly believed his mother was part of a "group of people giving their lives to darkness," per an affidavit

Vallejos allegedly wanted to turn himself in but didn't want to be separated from his dogs

A New Mexico man is accused of murdering and partially dismembering his mother.

Leroy Vallejos, 49, is charged with an open count of murder in the first degree and tampering with evidence in connection with the death of his 69-year-old mother Ernestina Lucero, per the Office of the Second Judicial District Attorney, Bernalillo County.

According to an arrest warrant affidavit obtained by PEOPLE, Vallejos admitted to killing is mother, allegedly claiming tha

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