Tragic Incident in Belen: Teen Faces Gruesome Allegations

Judge with gavel on wooden desk courtroom setting

A tragic family massacre in Belen, New Mexico, has resulted in the arrest of a 16-year-old teenager for the alleged murder of four relatives.

At a Glance

  • Diego Leyva, 16, has been charged with four counts of first-degree murder.
  • He confessed to the killings during a 911 call made at around 3:30 a.m. on December 14.
  • Authorities found the deceased family members in their Valencia County home.
  • The teenager surrendered peacefully, although intoxicated.

The Arrest

The tragic incident unfolded when Diego Leyva, a 16-year-old from Belen, New Mexico, allegedly confessed to police he had murderd his family in the early hours of December 14. Deputies arrived at the family’s Valencia County home to find Leyva intoxicated. “When deputies arrived, Diego walked out of the residence with his hands in the air and was extremely intoxicated,” stated the authorities. He was taken into custody without incident.

The crime scene revealed four victims: Leonardo Leyva, Adriana Bencomo, Adrian Leyva, and Alexander Leyva, all of whom suffered fatal gunshot wounds. The shocking nature of the crime has left the local community in dismay and grief, and the tragedy has prompted an ongoing police investigation to unravel the motives behind the horrific event.

The Investigation Unfolds

The investigation, now in the hands of the State Police, aims to uncover details surrounding the events leading up to the killings. Ray Wilson noted, “conducting interviews to learn what led up to these tragic events.” The teenager faces four counts of open murder and remains in custody at the Juvenile Justice Center. Investigators located a handgun on the kitchen table, though a motive has yet to be identified.

“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

Aside from law enforcement efforts, the local school district has stepped in to offer additional support and counseling to grieving students. The involvement of community leaders aims to prevent future tragedies of similar magnitude. Belen Consolidated Schools Superintendent Lawrence Sanchez expressed his sorrow over the event, emphasizing the need for the community to remain vigilant about mental health challenges.

Community Response and Support

The murders have left a profound impact on the community, sparking a conversation about mental health and the well-being of local youth. “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,” Sanchez stated in his announcement. The district continues to collaborate with law enforcement to ensure a proactive approach in student safety and mental health awareness.

“Wilson said the county sheriff’s office handed the case over to the State Police for investigation of the quadruple homicide.” – Ray Wilson

Collaborative efforts between the school, law enforcement, and community organizations continue as they work together to heal from the immense loss experienced by those connected to the victims. Meanwhile, the State Police persist in piecing together details, hoping to shed light on this dark and perplexing tragedy.

Sources

1. Police say teenage boy fatally shot 4 family members in New Mexico

2. Police Say Teenage Boy Arrested in Connection With Fatal Shootings of 4 Family Members in New Mexico

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