BELEN, NM – In the early hours of a chilly December morning, a tragic scene unfolded in the small town of Belen, leaving the community in shock. A 16-year-old boy, identified as Diego Leyva, made a harrowing call to 911, confessing to the murder of his entire family. The call set off a chain of events that would reveal one of the most disturbing crime scenes local authorities have ever encountered.
The call came in around 3:30 a.m. on December 14. Diego’s voice was calm yet chilling as he informed the dispatcher of his actions. “I just wanted to call you and tell you that I killed my parents,” he stated. The gravity of his admission was immediately apparent, and deputies were quickly dispatched to the scene.
Upon arriving at the residence, deputies found Diego standing at the gate, visibly covered in blood. He was promptly taken into custody without resistance. The officers, wearing gloves to preserve evidence, cautiously entered the home, where they discovered a gruesome scene. Four bodies, later identified as Diego’s parents and two younger brothers, were found inside.
Investigators believe that Diego, possibly under the influence of alcohol, carried out the murders using a pistol. During the 911 call, when asked what led to the heinous act, Diego attributed his actions to being possessed by a “bad spirit.” This chilling explanation was echoed in his interactions with deputies, who noted his calm demeanor despite the circumstances.
As authorities processed the scene, they documented Diego’s physical state. He had several cuts and lacerations, including noticeable injuries to his head and neck, as well as a wound on his foot. Despite these injuries, Diego declined medical attention, maintaining his claim of possession.
Throughout the investigation, Diego exhibited moments of emotional distress, occasionally crying and mumbling incoherent phrases. Body camera footage captured these moments, providing a glimpse into the disturbed state of the teenager.
The community of Belen is grappling with the aftermath of this tragedy, as residents struggle to comprehend how such violence could erupt in their midst. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, seeking answers to the many questions that remain.
As the case unfolds, the focus will be on understanding the events leading up to the murders and determining the appropriate course of action for Diego, who now faces a future marked by the weight of his actions.