Police report the teen surrendered peacefully with his hands raised after confessing to the killings.
A 16-year-old boy from New Mexico has been charged with murder after allegedly making a drunken 911 call to confess that he had killed his family.
The tragic event unfolded at approximately 3:30am on Saturday, December 14. During the call, the teen reportedly told the dispatcher that he had murdered his parents and two siblings.
Deputies were dispatched to the family home in Belen, a small town located south of Albuquerque. Upon arrival, they encountered the teenager walking out of the house with his hands raised in surrender.
Victims Adriana Bencomo and Leonardo Leyva.
Inside the home, officers made a grim discovery. The bodies of two adults and two teenagers—later identified as the boy’s parents, brother, and sister—were found.
All four victims had sustained fatal gunshot wounds. Authorities also located a handgun resting on the kitchen table, which they believe was used in the shootings.
According to a press release issued by New Mexico State Police, the teenager was heavily intoxicated at the time of his arrest.
Officers reported that he cooperated fully and was taken into custody without resistance.
Officers found four bodies at the scene
While authorities are still working to uncover a clear motive, the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau and Crime Scene Team are actively investigating the incident.
This includes interviewing individuals to piece together what may have led to such a devastating tragedy.
After his arrest, the teenager was taken to a nearby hospital to sober up before being transferred to the Juvenile Justice Center in Albuquerque.
The teen is now facing four counts of first-degree murder.
Leyva allegedly called 911 to confess
In response to the heartbreaking events, the Belen Consolidated Schools district released a statement expressing their shock and support for those affected. They assured families that counseling services and mental health resources were being made available to students and staff.
Superintendent Lawrence Sanchez addressed the tragedy in his statement, saying: “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.”
He continued by reflecting on the importance of mental health and community support: “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.”
Superintendent Sanchez further emphasized the importance of coming together as a community to heal, adding: “We are committed to working closely with law enforcement, school officials and community leaders to understand how such a tragedy could occur and to take steps to do our part in preventing anything like this from happening again,”
He concluded with a reminder of the shared responsibility in ensuring safety and well-being: “It is our collective responsibility to ensure our children and families feel safe, supported and valued.”
