A 16-year-old in Belen, New Mexico, has been arrested for allegedly killing four family members, a case that stirs profound shock and sorrow within the community.
At a Glance
- A New Mexico teen, Diego Leyva, arrested for four counts of murder.
- 911 call led police to discover Leyva’s family shot dead.
- Authorities found the teen intoxicated, a handgun on the kitchen table.
- Ongoing investigation by State Police to determine the motive.
Tragic Confession and Arrest
Diego Leyva, a 16-year-old, was detained by authorities in connection to a harrowing incident in Belen, New Mexico. He made a 911 call early on the morning of December 14, allegedly confessing to the murders of his parents and siblings. Responding deputies arrived at the residence and found Leyva intoxicated, but he surrendered without any resistance.
Inside the Leyva family home, deputies discovered the tragic scene: four individuals, identified as Leonardo Leyva, 42, Adriana Bencomo, 35, Adrian Leyva, 16, and Alexander Leyva, 14, all victims of suspected gunshot wounds. A handgun was left conspicuously on the kitchen table. Shortly after, Leyva was taken to a local hospital to undergo detoxification before his transfer to the Juvenile Justice Center.
A Belen, New Mexico, teenager has been charged with four counts of murder after he allegedly killed his family while “extremely intoxicated,” New Mexico State Police said. https://t.co/HO7dicL5PG
— KAMR Local 4 News (@KAMRLocal4News) December 16, 2024
Community and Official Responses
The tragic incident has left the local community shaken. The Belen Consolidated Schools district is proactively offering additional counseling services to students following the tragedy. Superintendent Lawrence Sanchez remarked, “We are deeply saddened and shocked by the tragic event involving the killing of his family by a BHS student this past Saturday. Our hearts go out to the victims, their loved ones and everyone impacted by this devastating loss.”
“We are deeply saddened and shocked by the tragic event involving the killing of his family by a BHS student this past Saturday. Our hearts go out to the victims, their loved ones and everyone impacted by this devastating loss” – superintendent Lawrence Sanchez
To uncover what led up to this tragic event, State Police have taken over the investigation, conducting interviews and examining evidence. The motive for the murders is unknown at this stage. The office of the medical examiner is working rigorously to identify the victims and provide a clearer picture of the events.
Teenager Murders his family … Quadruple Homicide in New Mexico
Suspect: Diego Leyva, 16
Belen, New Mexico
12/14/24“New Mexico State Police Investigate Quadruple Homicide in Belen
On December 14, 2024, the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau was requested to… pic.twitter.com/MAepDVfAwh
— SubX.News® (@SubxNews) December 16, 2024
Ongoing Investigation and Future Implications
Following Leyva’s release from the hospital, he will be booked into a juvenile detention center facing four open counts of murder. Community leaders and law enforcement are collaborating to ensure such heartbreaking incidents do not recur, emphasizing the need for increased mental health awareness and preventative strategies.
“The teen will be booked into a juvenile detention center on four open counts of murder after being released from the hospital, according to Wilson, who said the office of the medical examiner is still trying to identify the victims.” – Ray Wilson
As the State Police continue their diligent investigation, the Belen community joins together in mourning, seeking to support one another while awaiting further clarity on the loss they’ve suffered. The tragedy stands as a stark reminder of the local and national challenges in addressing the complex issues surrounding family violence and youth mental health.
Sources
2. Police say teenage boy fatally shot 4 family members in New Mexico
