A chilling morning unfolded in Belen, New Mexico, as a 16-year-old confessed to the murder of his family through a 911 call.
At a Glance
- 16-year-old Diego Leyva arrested for allegedly murdering his family.
- Authorities discovered the victims with fatal gunshot wounds.
- The teenager called 911 to confess after the crime.
- Motives behind the murders remain unidentified as investigations proceed.
Arrest and Scene Discovery
New Mexico’s small town of Belen became the focal point of a tragic event with the arrest of 16-year-old Diego Leyva. Charged with four counts of first-degree murder, Leyva allegedly committed this unimaginable act against his own family. The victims, identified as Leonardo Leyva, Adriana Bencomo, Adrian Leyva, and Alexander Leyva, all suffered fatal gunshot wounds inside their home. Responding officers discovered the gruesome scene after Leyva dialed 911 to admit to his actions.
Diego allegedly made the call around 3:30 a.m., displaying signs of intoxication when deputies arrived. Law enforcement reported he walked out of the residence with hands raised, surrendering without resistance. A handgun was found inside, further painting a grim picture of the night’s 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
Investigations and Legal Proceedings
The ongoing investigation, now being conducted by State Police, seeks clarity on what led the teenager to commit such acts. Despite the juvenile’s admission, details surrounding the motive remain elusive. Before moving to the Juvenile Justice Center, Leyva underwent detoxification treatment at a nearby hospital. His name, unlike the victims’, remains officially withheld, reflecting the legal nuances when handling minors in criminal cases.
The medical examiner continues to work on verifying victims’ identities while Eduardo Wilson of the Sheriff’s Department confirmed case responsibility being transferred to State Police, ensuring transparency and thorough examination.
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 Impact and Response
This tragic incident has deeply shaken Belen, prompting the local school district to offer enhanced psychological support to troubled students. Superintendent Lawrence Sanchez emphasized community vigilance and the importance of acknowledging mental health. “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.
“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.
Efforts are underway with law enforcement and community leaders to prevent similar tragedies in the future. This heartbreaking narrative underscores the unpredictable nature of today’s society and the paramount importance of community solidarity.
Sources
2. Police say teenage boy fatally shot 4 family members in New Mexico
