On December 14, 2024, before sunrise, a horrific incident rocked the tranquil town of Belen, New Mexico, located 33 miles south of Albuquerque. The event unfolded as 16-year-old Diego Leyva contacted 911 and admitted to murdering his own family.
Upon arrival at the scene around 3:30 a.m., Valencia County Sheriff’s deputies found Leyva in a severely intoxicated state. He emerged from the home with his hands up, surrendering without any struggle, law enforcement reports.
Inside the residence, law enforcement uncovered the bodies of Leyva’s parents, Leonardo Leyva, 42, and Adriana Bencomo, 35, his twin brother, Adrian Leyva, 16, and younger sibling, Alexander Leyva, 14. Each victim had been shot to death. A handgun, suspected to be the weapon used in the killings, was found on the kitchen table.
Adriana Bencomo was recognized for her service as a committed volunteer firefighter at the Rio Communities Fire Department. Her coworkers expressed profound shock and sorrow at her death, remembering her as a person who always put others before herself.
The shocking incident has left the community of Belen in mourning, with locals, friends, and officials grappling to understand the magnitude of the loss. After his arrest, Diego Leyva, who appeared heavily intoxicated and disoriented, was taken to a local hospital for detoxification. Following this, he was transferred to a juvenile justice center in Albuquerque. He now faces four charges of first-degree murder.
The New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau is spearheading the investigation into the murders, with the motive behind the act still unknown. Upon completion of the investigation, the case will be turned over to the district attorney’s office for prosecution.
In response to the tragedy, Belen Consolidated Schools district has pledged to offer counseling services to affected students and staff members. A former teacher of Leyva expressed surprise at the violent act, describing him as a quiet, respectful student who showed no previous signs of violent behavior.
As the investigation progresses, the focus remains on providing support to those affected and remembering the lives of Adriana, Leonardo, Adrian, and Alexander with respect and empathy.
