Texas Man Accused of Killing Mother During Alleged Exorcism in Fort Worth

Alexander Taylor Valdez was found covered in blood, police said. Now he's facing a murder charge

A 23-year-old Texas man has been arrested and charged after allegedly beating his mother to death during what he described as an attempted exorcism. The disturbing incident occurred in Fort Worth, Tarrant County, in the early hours of Friday, April 18, after police received an anonymous 911 call sparked by a photo shared on Snapchat.

According to an affidavit, the tipster contacted authorities after receiving a “very concerning” image that appeared to show a woman lying on the ground covered in what seemed to be blood. Responding to the call, Fort Worth Police arrived at the residence and encountered Alexander Taylor Valdez on the front porch of the home. He was reportedly holding what appeared to be a Bible and had visible blood on his body.

When officers questioned him about the blood, Valdez allegedly told them, “I was doing witchcraft to kill my mom,” and added, “There is a dead body in there, it’s my mom.” He also stated, “It was an exorcism,” as he sat down on a chair outside the house.

Upon entering the property, officers discovered a woman—later identified as 58-year-old Teresita Sayson—in the master bedroom. She had sustained severe trauma to her face and upper body and was covered in blood. A deceased dog was also found in the same room. Authorities believe the victim had been struck multiple times with a blunt object.

Sayson was found dead in her master bedroom

Investigators found a broken jewelry box in the room with blood and hair embedded in it, consistent with the color and style of the victim’s hair. The affidavit indicated this may have been the murder weapon.

Several of Valdez’s friends were reportedly present at the scene, and one told police the graphic image of the body had been posted in a group chat on Snapchat.

Valdez was taken into custody and transported to the Lon Evans Corrections Center. He allegedly refused to answer investigators' questions and requested legal representation. Jail records show Valdez is being held on a $750,000 bond.

The case is under active investigation as authorities examine the motive behind the killing, including the suspect’s reference to exorcism and witchcraft.