EL PASO, Texas — Dillon Alexander Waller, a 29-year-old man from Las Cruces, New Mexico, has been convicted of first-degree murder and tampering with evidence in connection with the death of his mother, Cynthia Berendzen. A Las Cruces jury found Waller guilty on December 18, 2024, and he now faces a life sentence with the possibility of parole after 30 years. The tampering with evidence charge adds an additional three years to his sentence, according to the State of New Mexico Office of the Third Judicial District Attorney.
The case dates back to November 2022, when local police were called for a welfare check on Berendzen after neighbors reported that they had not seen her for several weeks. Upon entering her home, officers noticed the strong smell of bleach and cleaning agents. They discovered Berendzen’s body in the bathroom, in an advanced state of decomposition, after forcing their way inside.
Investigators also found that the home appeared to have been cleaned out. The refrigerator was empty, and all kitchenware, including silverware, utensils, and pots, was gone. Neighbors reported seeing Waller driving away from the residence in Berendzen’s vehicle around November 14, 2022, with Berendzen’s four dogs. The vehicle and dogs were later discovered abandoned near the U.S.-Mexico border in San Diego, California, though the dogs were found in good condition and identified through microchips.
Berendzen, who was reported missing on November 17, 2022, was eventually confirmed to have died from strangulation. Waller’s story regarding his mother’s death shifted during questioning. Initially, he claimed he had no knowledge of her death, then later admitted to strangling her while she was sleeping. He also confessed to moving her body into the shower, cleaning the crime scene, and stealing her bank card. However, authorities were unable to verify Waller’s claim of having an accomplice in the crime.
Waller’s arrest came on April 1, 2023, when he was apprehended in Las Cruces for an outstanding warrant. During his arrest, he was found in possession of 7.3 grams of suspected fentanyl pills. Waller allegedly fled to Tijuana, Mexico, following the murder, hoping to meet up with the alleged accomplice, but returned to the U.S. after the meeting never occurred. Authorities later identified him as a suspect, leading to his eventual arrest.
Waller’s conviction brings closure to the case, but it highlights the disturbing nature of the crime, including the gruesome circumstances surrounding Berendzen’s death and the suspect’s attempt to flee justice.
