Albuquerque, NM– A teenager from New Mexico has been taken into custody and faces murder charges after he contacted emergency services to confess to the killing of his parents and siblings.
On Sunday, Dec. 15, the New Mexico State Police announced in a press release that 16-year-old Diego Leyva faces four counts of first-degree murder for the alleged killing of four family members in their residence in Belen, situated south of Albuquerque.
In a shocking turn of events, Leyva dialed 911 at approximately 3:30 a.m. local time on Saturday, Dec. 14, and revealed to the dispatcher that he had taken the lives of his family members.
“When deputies arrived, Diego walked out of the residence with his hands in the air and was extremely intoxicated,” state police wrote in the release. “He was taken into custody without incident.”
Authorities discovered two adults and two teenagers within the residence, identified as Leonardo Leyva, 42, Adriana Bencomo, 35, Adrian Leyva, 16, and Alexander Leyva, 14. Authorities reported that all victims succumbed to what appeared to be gunshot wounds, with a handgun discovered on the kitchen table.
Leyva was transported to a local hospital for alcohol detoxification and subsequently admitted to the Juvenile Justice Center in Albuquerque at approximately 1 a.m. on Sunday.
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Authorities have stated that the reason behind the incident remains unclear. The Investigations Bureau and Crime Scene Team of the New Mexico State Police continue their inquiry and will ” conduct interviews to understand the circumstances surrounding these unfortunate incidents,” the statement noted.
On Sunday, the Belen Consolidated Schools district posted a message on Facebook, announcing the availability of extra counseling services and encouraging students who require mental health support to connect with a teacher or principal.
“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,” Superintendent Lawrence Sanchez wrote in the statement.
“This heartbreaking incident reminds us of the importance of vigilance in addressing the challenges our youth face, promoting mental health awareness, and ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for everyone,” Sanchez continued.