• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2026 ABC News
  • News

16-year-old in custody after suspected quadruple homicide of his family in New Mexico

0:43
KOAT
New Mexico teen charged in quadruple homicide: Police
Robert Alexander/Getty Images
ByLeah Sarnoff
December 15, 2024, 11:07 PM

A teen suspect is in custody for the alleged quadruple homicide of his family at their residence in Belen, New Mexico, according to police.

The Valencia County Sheriff's Office received a 911 call at around 3:30 a.m. on Saturday from Diego Leyva, 16, who told the dispatcher he had killed his family.

Officials said Sunday that when deputies arrived, Leyva walked out of the residence with his hands in the air and was extremely intoxicated.

He was taken into custody without incident, according to their statement.

PHOTO: Southwest USA scenics
SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO - AUGUST 7, 2018: A state police car parked along a street in Santa Fe, New Mexico. (Photo by Robert Alexander/Getty Images)
Robert Alexander/Getty Images

Related Articles

MORE: Early season snowstorm pounding New Mexico, Colorado

When deputies entered the residence, they discovered four victims who appeared to have died from gunshot wounds.

The individuals were later identified as Leonardo Leyva, 42; Adriana Bencomo, 35; Adrian Leyva, 16; and Alexander Leyva, 14 -- all family members of the teen suspect.

Related Articles

MORE: 2 dead, hundreds rescued in 'dangerous' New Mexico flash flooding

Leyva was taken to an area hospital to detox, according to officials.

After he was medically cleared on Sunday, Leyva was booked into the Juvenile Justice Center in Albuquerque.

The 16-year-old has been charged with four counts of first-degree murder.

An investigation into the motive of the quadruple homicide is ongoing, according to the sheriff's office.

Up Next in News—

This San Francisco shop is run completely by an AI agent

April 23, 2026

Mother charged after teen son allegedly hits and injures 81-year-old veteran while riding e-motorcycle

April 23, 2026

UK bill banning smoking products for those born after 2008 is one step away from becoming law

April 22, 2026

Pilot killed in Florida plane crash hailed as hero

April 21, 2026

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2026 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2026 ABC News