DEMING – Tragedy struck Belen early Saturday morning as the New Mexico State Police launched an investigation into a quadruple homicide. Around 3:30 a.m. on December 14, deputies with the Valencia County Sheriff’s Office responded to a chilling 911 call from 16-year-old Diego Leyva, who confessed to killing his family.
Authorities arrived at the Camino Escondido residence to find Leyva heavily intoxicated but cooperative, surrendering with his hands raised. Inside, deputies discovered four deceased individuals, whose identities are still being confirmed by the Office of the Medical Investigator. A handgun was found on the kitchen table.
Leyva faces four open counts of first-degree murder and remains in a hospital for detox. Once cleared, he will be transferred to a juvenile detention facility. State Police Investigations Bureau agents are piecing together what led to the killings, with the case set to go to the district attorney once their work is complete.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story. With KDEM FM News, I’m John Krehbiel reporting.