A 16-year-old boy in New Mexico allegedly shot and killed his entire family during a drunken rampage. The horrific killings occurred overnight on December 14 in the town of Belen, about 30 miles from Albuquerque. Diego Leyva reportedly called 911 and told the dispatcher he’d killed his family. When police arrived at the home a short time later, they found a devastating scene.
According to a release from the New Mexico State Police, when deputies from the Valencia County Sheriff’s Office arrived at the home around 3:30 a.m., they arrested the teenager. He faces four counts of first-degree murder.
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Leyva reportedly complied with authorities.
Sheriff’s deputies responded to a residence on Camino Escondido shortly after Leyva called 911 for help. “When deputies arrived, Diego walked out of the residence with his hands in the air and was extremely intoxicated. He was taken into custody without incident,” the police release noted.
Deputies found four people dead inside the home.
Authorities identified the victims as Leonardo Leyva, 42; Adriana Bencomo, 35; Adrian Leyva, 16; and Alexander Leyva, 14. They each died from apparent gunshot wounds. During the investigation, deputies found a handgun on a table in the kitchen.
“This incident is in the preliminary stages of investigation. New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau agents and Crime Scene Team are processing the scene and conducting interviews to learn what led up to these tragic events,” the police release noted.
First responders took Leyva to the hospital prior to his arrest.
Because he appeared drunk, emergency responders took Leyva to an area hospital for detox from alcohol. After receiving medical clearance, deputies booked him into the Juvenile Justice Center in Albuquerque.
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Community members shared support for the family.
Belen Consolidated Schools Superintendent Lawrence Sanchez shared his condolences in a statement. He wrote, “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. No words can adequately convey the profound sorrow we feel for this unimaginable tragedy.”
The City of Rio Communities Fire & Rescue also posted kind words on Facebook about one of the victims.
“Adriana Bencomo, was an active volunteer firefighter with the Rio Communities Fire Department and had served for many years. Valencia County, Rio Communities and our brothers and sisters at RCFD are shocked and saddened by this unexpected loss,” the statement reads.
