Fort Worth, Texas — A 23-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly murdering his mother during what he described as an attempted exorcism. According to Fort Worth Police, Alexander Taylor Valdez was taken into custody after officers responded to a disturbing 911 tip from an anonymous caller.
The tipster reported receiving a photo via Snapchat that showed a woman lying on the ground, seemingly covered in blood. The image led police to a residence on Farmers Branch Street. When officers arrived, they were met by Valdez, who opened the door holding a Bible and appeared to be covered in blood on his face, hands, torso, and feet.
Valdez reportedly told officers, “It was an exorcism,” and then calmly sat down on his porch. When asked about the blood, he responded, “I was doing witchcraft to kill my mom,” according to the arrest affidavit.
Inside the home, police found the lifeless body of 58-year-old Teresita Sayson, Valdez’s mother. She was discovered in the master bedroom with extensive trauma to her face and upper body. A deceased dog was also found at the scene.
Investigators believe she was beaten with a blunt object, possibly a broken jewelry box, which was recovered nearby and found to contain blood and human hair.
Valdez remains in custody at the Tarrant County Jail with bond set at $750,000. He is charged with murder.
