A tragic incident unfolds in Belen, New Mexico, as authorities respond to an unusual early morning 911 call from an intoxicated teenager.
According to the New York Post, 16-year-old Diego Leyva was arrested after allegedly killing his parents and two teenage siblings, then drunkenly calling 911 to confess to the quadruple homicide at approximately 3:30 a.m. on Saturday.
The victims were identified as Leonardo Leyva, 42, Adriana Bencomo, 35, Adrian Leyva, 16, and Alexander Leyva, 14. The New Mexico State Police discovered all four family members with fatal gunshot wounds inside their residence.
Details of the Tragic Discovery
Law enforcement officials arrived at the scene following the suspect's confession call. Diego Leyva emerged from the house with his hands raised, cooperating with authorities despite his heavily intoxicated state. Investigators located a handgun on the kitchen table during their initial search of the premises.
The teen suspect required immediate medical attention due to his severe intoxication. He was transported to a local hospital for detox before being transferred to a juvenile justice facility in Albuquerque early Sunday morning. The state has charged him with first-degree murder.
Former educator Vanessa LaGrange expressed her shock at the news. She shared her disbelief with The Guardian:
I would never have thought that something like this would happen and that Diego would be capable of doing something like this. Everyone's in shock.
Investigation Continues
The New Mexico State Police Investigative Bureau has launched a comprehensive investigation into the incident. Authorities are working to determine the motive behind the violent attack that claimed the lives of an entire family. The case has stunned the local community of Belen, a city already grappling with the unexpected nature of the crime.
Law enforcement officials are examining all available evidence, including the 911 call and the recovered weapon. The investigation will likely focus on the events leading up to the tragedy and the circumstances that may have triggered the violent outburst.
The case presents unique challenges for prosecutors due to the suspect's age and his apparent state of intoxication at the time of the incident. Legal experts anticipate a complex prosecution process, given these factors.
Devastating Aftermath of Family Tragedy
The local community has been left reeling from the loss of the Leyva family. The shocking nature of the crime, involving a teenage perpetrator targeting his own family members, has sparked discussions about youth violence and family dynamics.
Law enforcement authorities continue to piece together the timeline of events that led to the tragic outcome. The case has drawn attention to issues surrounding juvenile access to firearms and the devastating consequences of youth violence.
The state's juvenile justice system now faces the challenge of handling this high-profile case while considering both public safety and the complex factors surrounding juvenile offenders.
Conclusion
The investigation into the quadruple homicide remains active as authorities work to understand the tragic events that unfolded in the early hours of Saturday morning. Diego Leyva faces first-degree murder charges and remains in custody at a juvenile detention facility in Albuquerque, awaiting further legal proceedings.
The case has deeply affected the Belen community, raising questions about youth violence and family dynamics while law enforcement officials continue their investigation into what triggered this devastating incident.
