A 20-year-old Florida man was arrested after allegedly confessing to a chilling plot to harm his ex-girlfriend and her father following months of stalking, according to police and court records obtained by GLOBE Magazine.
Authorities say Jalen Vallejos had been secretly watching his former girlfriend during the night for up to eight months. His disturbing plan came to light when a Volusia County sheriff’s deputy spotted him walking around a Deltona neighborhood late at night in suspicious clothing.
The deputy’s report states that Vallejos wore a dark hoodie with the hood pulled tight over his head and used his hands to hide his face, despite the balmy 76-degree weather. When asked why he was dressed so heavily, Vallejos reportedly claimed it was cold outside.
Suspect caught with break-in tools and weapons
Upon further inspection, the deputy discovered Vallejos was carrying a pocketknife and had brush and plant debris on his clothing, suggesting he had recently walked through thick vegetation.
According to the criminal complaint, Vallejos admitted to carrying a lock-picking tool and ski mask because he intended to break into his ex-girlfriend’s home. He allegedly revealed that he had parked his vehicle nearby and left a backpack inside it.
Inside the backpack, deputies found duct tape, wire snips, black spray paint, three sets of wire cutters and pliers, and a sledgehammer. Vallejos reportedly said the duct tape was for covering security cameras, the spray paint was to vandalize the garage, and the hammer was for breaking down the door—and defending himself if needed.
Sheriff says signs point to planned homicide
Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood said the contents of the backpack and Vallejos’ own statements strongly suggest a premeditated murder plot.
The sheriff said the suspect not only planned to break into the home but also intended to harm the young woman’s father and eventually kill her. Police noted Vallejos had previously vandalized her property and had stalked her during the night for months without being caught.
“These are all the signs of someone getting killed,” Sheriff Chitwood said, pointing to the weaponry and surveillance-style behavior.
Facing multiple charges, held without bond
Vallejos has been charged with aggravated stalking, criminal mischief, burglary, and loitering. He remains in custody at the Volusia County Jail without bond.
Investigators are continuing to examine the extent of the suspect’s actions, as well as any additional evidence that may support the stalking and attempted homicide charges.
This disturbing case highlights the importance of early intervention in stalking cases, which experts say can escalate quickly when obsession turns to violence.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.