16-Year-Old Arrested for Fatal Shooting of Family Members, Confesses to 911 – One America News Network
By OAN Staff Brooke Mallory
6:10 PM – Monday, December 16, 2024
Authorities in New Mexico have reported the arrest of a 16-year-old boy, who allegedly fatally shot his entire family while being “extremely intoxicated.”
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Diego Leyva, aged 16, has been charged with first-degree murder after reportedly shooting and killing his family early Sunday morning before contacting 9-1-1 to turn himself in.
Officials state that Leyva “informed a dispatcher he had killed his family.”
The incident occurred around 3:30 AM on Sunday in Belén, Valencia County, New Mexico.
According to statements from local police, Leyva exited the house with his hands raised and was “extremely intoxicated” when officers arrived at the scene.
“Diego emerged from the residence with his hands in the air and was extremely intoxicated. He was taken into custody without incident,” police mentioned in their report.
Upon arrival, officers found a firearm on the kitchen table and four deceased individuals inside the home. The victims included his two brothers, aged 17 and 14, along with his parents, Adriana Bencomo, 35, and Leonardo Leyva, 42.
Police report that Leyva has been booked into a juvenile justice facility in Albuquerque and is now facing four counts of first-degree murder.
In a social media announcement, the Valencia County Fire Department noted that Adriana Bencomo, one of the four victims found deceased on Sunday, was a dedicated local volunteer firefighter.
“Our colleagues at RCFD are understandably shocked and heartbroken by this loss. The Valencia County Fire Department and Belen Fire Department have increased staffing to manage calls in Rio Communities, and the VCFD peer support team has been activated to help members cope with this tragedy,” the statement read.
Investigations and interviews are being conducted by the NMSP Investigations Bureau and Crime Scene Team. The motive behind the shooting remains undetermined.
After the investigation concludes, the case will be forwarded to the district attorney’s office for prosecution.
This story is still developing. Please check back for updates.
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