ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – An Albuquerque man accused of killing and dismembering his mother will remain in custody while his case goes through the judicial process.

Leroy Vallejos, 49, is charged with an open count of murder and tampering with evidence for the death of his 69-year-old mother, Ernestina Lucero, who was reported missing before she was found dead.

Story continues below • Trending: One of the last surviving Navajo Code Talkers shares his story • News: Albuquerque pilot killed in UPS cargo plane crash • Community: What’s happening in New Mexico November 7-13? R&B Fest and more • New Mexico Strange: Unraveling New Mexico’s many UFO mysteries: New Mexico Strange

APD said Vallejos, in an interview with officers, admitted to choking his mother about three weeks before o

See Full Page