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Dillon Alexander Waller, 31, was sentenced to life in prison for the first-degree murder of his mother, Cynthia Berendzen, and three years for the charge of tampering with evidence.
Waller was convicted by a jury in December 2024 after police said he strangled his mother while she slept. He admitted to moving her body to the shower, cleaning the scene and attempting to cover up the crime with the help of a friend, a news release said. Waller also initially denied any involvement in his mother's death and drove to Mexico after killing her, police said.
"This sentence reflects the gravity of the crime and serves as a reminder that justice will be served for victims and their families," said District Attorney Fernando Macias in a news release. "We hope today’s decision provides some measure of closure for her family and the community."
After his arrest, court records show that Waller was held in jail for the duration of the case.
