BELEN, NEW MEXICO – A 16-year-old boy is facing four counts of first-degree murder after allegedly killing his family members in their home and calling police to report the crime.
In the early hours of Saturday morning, Diego Leyva contacted 911, admitting to the dispatcher that he had killed his family. Responding officers from the New Mexico State Police arrived at the home in Belen at approximately 3:30 a.m. Upon their arrival, Leyva emerged from the property visibly intoxicated and surrendered with his hands raised.
Inside the residence, authorities discovered the bodies of four family members: Leonardo Leyva, 42, Adriana Bencomo, 35, and two teenage boys, Adrian Leyva, 16, and Alexander Leyva, 14. All were found with apparent gunshot wounds, and a handgun was located on the kitchen table.
Following the arrest, Diego Leyva was transported to a local hospital for evaluation before being booked into the Juvenile Justice Center in Albuquerque early Sunday morning.
Community Shocked by the Tragedy
The horrifying incident has left the community of Belen in shock. Vanessa LaGrange, one of Diego’s former teachers, expressed disbelief. “Everyone’s in shock,” she told The Guardian. “I would never have thought that something like this would happen and that Diego would be capable of doing something like this.”
Adriana Bencomo, one of the victims, was an active volunteer firefighter with the Rio Communities Fire Department. The Valencia County Fire Department expressed its sorrow in a statement on Facebook, saying, “Our brothers and sisters at RCFD are shocked and saddened by this loss as expected.” The department also announced that a peer support team was available to assist grieving members.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the killings, including the motive behind the crime. Diego Leyva’s mental state and the events leading up to the tragedy are likely to be key focuses of the investigation.
The teenager’s intoxicated state at the time of his arrest has raised additional questions about whether substance use played a role in the incident.
While Diego has been charged as a juvenile, the severity of the crime could prompt prosecutors to seek adult charges in the case. New Mexico law allows for juveniles accused of severe crimes, such as first-degree murder, to be tried as adults under specific circumstances.
A Community in Mourning
The small community of Belen, located approximately 30 miles south of Albuquerque, is reeling from the loss. Friends, neighbors, and colleagues of the family have expressed their condolences and shock at the tragedy.
Adriana Bencomo’s contributions as a firefighter were highlighted by her colleagues, who described her as dedicated and caring. “She was always there to lend a hand and support her community,” one colleague shared.
Schools in the area are also preparing to offer counseling and support to students and staff affected by the news, particularly those who knew Diego or the Leyva family.
Next Steps
Diego Leyva is expected to appear in court in the coming days as the judicial process unfolds. Meanwhile, the community is left grappling with the unthinkable loss of a family and searching for answers in the wake of this tragedy.
This incident marks one of the most devastating crimes in recent memory for the rural New Mexico town, underscoring the need for ongoing support for the affected community.
