In the early morning of December 14, 2024 a heartbreaking incident occurred in the town of Belen, New Mexico, located 33 miles south of Albuquerque. Diego Leyva, a teenage local resident, dialed 911 and admitted to killing his family members.
Valencia County Sheriff’s deputies reported that when they reached the crime scene around 3:30 a.m., Leyva was “extremely intoxicated.” He exited the house with his hands up, surrendering peacefully to law enforcement.
Upon entering the house, officers found the bodies of Leyva’s parents, Leonardo Leyva, 42, and Adriana Bencomo, 35, his brother, Adrian Leyva, 17, and his younger brother, Alexander Leyva, 14. All victims were shot to death. A handgun, suspected to be the murder weapon, was discovered on the kitchen table.
Adriana Bencomo was recognized in the community as a committed volunteer firefighter with the Rio Communities Fire Department. Her colleagues, shocked and saddened by her demise, remembered her as a selflessly devoted and caring person.
The shocking incident has left the community of Belen in a state of disbelief. Diego Leyva, who exhibited signs of severe intoxication at the time of his arrest, was first taken to a local hospital for detoxification. He was later transferred to a juvenile justice center in Albuquerque and charged with four counts of first-degree murder.
The New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau has taken up the case, although the reason for the act of violence remains uncertain. The completed investigation will be passed on to the district attorney’s office for prosecution.
In response to the tragedy, the Belen Consolidated Schools district has decided to offer counseling services to affected students and staff. A former teacher of Leyva described the crime as completely uncharacteristic, as Diego had previously displayed a quiet and polite demeanor, with no evident signs of aggression.
As the investigation continues, the focus of authorities and the community is on supporting those impacted by the tragedy and remembering the lives of Adriana, Leonardo, Adrian, and Alexander with respect and kindness.
