New Mexico
Teen charged with murders of four family members
The investigation continues in Valencia County after a 16-year-old boy was charged with the murders of his parents and brothers.
RIO COMMUNITIES, N.M. — New Mexico State Police reported that officers were investigating the deaths of four people in Rio Communities on Saturday.
Teenager Diego Leyva was arrested for with shooting and killing four of his family members, according to police.
He was in court Monday for the first time, and he’s now charged with four open counts of murder.
Levya is only 16, so KOB will not be showing him during any court proceedings.
Around 3:30 a.m. Saturday, Levya called 911 saying he killed his family, according to police.
Valencia County Sheriff’s deputies responded first and said that Levya walked out of the house, drunk, with his hands in the air saying he killed his family.
When deputies searched the house, they found a handgun on the kitchen table.
Levya is accused of killing his brothers, ages 17 and 14, and his parents.
They were all found with gunshot wounds.
Monday in court a judge ruled he should be kept in jail ahead of a possible trial.
“Based upon the allegations and the circumstances surrounding this matter, the court is going to find that the child is a danger to himself and others, and the court is going to order that he be held in detention at this time,” the judge said.
Levya’s defense claimed his should be released because he has no history of violence and some other family members were willing to take custody of him.
The state argued he’s a danger to himself and society, adding that when deputies found Levya at the crime scene he was hitting himself over the head.
Monday, KOB learned more about his mother, Adriana Bencomo. She was a firefighter with the Rio Communities Volunteer Fire Department since 2007.
Fire Chief Andrew Tabet said he’s followed her career since she joined the department, adding that she loved her community and just wanted to be there for people their worst day.
“There’s more memories than I can even talk about,” Tabet said. “I’ve known her entire career. She always would make us laugh, even on a really rough call, she always had a smile on her face. She always had everything, and it was just that much more funny, because she truly cared if you were OK.”
We still don’t know what led up to this alleged shooting or why Levya may have done this, but it’s very clear that this tragedy has hit this small community hard.
Belen Schools Superintendent Lawrence Sanchez confirmed Monday that Levya is a Belen High School student, and his 14-year-old brother was a Belen Middle School student.
The district is offering additional counseling services to both schools, he said. Sanchez also said that other districts around the state have reached out to offer resources as well.
SANTA FE, N.M. (KFOX14/CBS4) – The New Mexico Department of Health says it will continue to recommend the full schedule of childhood vaccines.
State officials announced the move Tuesday, directly defying a new federal policy that scaled back routine immunization guidance.
The announcement comes after U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS), under Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., reduced the number of vaccines it recommends for all children.
The New Mexico Department of Health stated the federal changes were “not based on new scientific evidence or safety data.”
“New Mexico will not follow the federal government in walking away from decades of proven public health practice,” said Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. “Our recommendations remain unchanged.”
State health officials sought to reassure parents, emphasizing that vaccines remain widely available and covered by insurance.
“We know this is confusing for parents, but the science is clear: vaccines are safe, effective, and save children’s lives,” said Dr. Miranda Durham, chief medical officer for NMDOH.
All childhood vaccinations will continue to be covered under programs like Medicaid and the federal Vaccines for Children Program.
The state encourages parents to consult their healthcare providers using the American Academy of Pediatrics’ immunization schedule.
RECOMMENDED: CDC cuts childhood vaccine list, sparking healthcare professionals’ concerns
Sign up to receive the top interesting stories from in and around our community once daily in your inbox.
SANTA FE, N.M. — Former New Mexico Public Regulation Commissioner Jim Ellison is running for governor as a Republican, he announced on social media Tuesday.
Ellison is running on affordability, opportunity and trust in government as the key points of his campaign. His experience includes serving on the NMPRC in 2023 and 2024.
“New Mexico deserves leadership that listens, acts, and delivers results. Our state has enormous potential, but too often that potential is held back by policies that don’t serve everyday New Mexicans,” he said on his website. “I’m running to bring practical solutions, honest accountability, and a renewed focus on the public interest.”
A Georgia native, Ellison has lived in New Mexico for 20 years and currently lives in the Albuquerque area with his wife and two children.
Ellison is aiming to get 5,000 signatures by Feb. 2, to appear on the primary ballot with at least three other Republicans who have announced their candidacy.
Ultra Health CEO Duke Rodriguez announced his campaign in December and recently confirmed to KOB 4 that he received enough signatures to appear on the primary ballot. Rio Rancho Mayor Gregg Hull and New Mexico State Sen. Steve Lanier are also running.
Three Democrats are running – Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman, Former Interior Secretary Deb Haaland and Former Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima.
Canucks Continue Road Trip with a Stop in Detroit on Thursday Night | Vancouver Canucks
Downtown San Francisco Immigration Court Set to Close In a Year
Live updates: Washington Capitals vs Dallas Stars at Capital One Arena
Boston City Hall intruder who stole from employees nabbed by police, after shoplifting arrest: BPD
5 Of The Weirdest Things You’ll Find At Denver International Airport – SlashGear
Florida High School Football Rankings: Top 25 teams – Oct. 21
Cleary's 21 help Le Moyne down Central Connecticut State 69-64 in OT
How old is Bo Nix? What to know about Oregon quarterback ahead of 2024 NFL Draft
99th annual Pony Swim held in Virginia
Video: ‘It Didn’t Have to Happen This Way:’ U.Va. Faculty Call for Review of Police Response to Protests
San Diego sues to stop border barrier construction
How Ukraine is shaping Europe’s response to Trump’s Greenland threats
GOP gearing up to face tough midterms. And, Pentagon reviews women in ground combat
Wyoming Supreme Court rules laws restricting abortion violate state constitution
How strong are Latin America’s military forces, as they face US threats?
-
World1 week agoHamas builds new terror regime in Gaza, recruiting teens amid problematic election
-
News1 week agoFor those who help the poor, 2025 goes down as a year of chaos
-
Science1 week agoWe Asked for Environmental Fixes in Your State. You Sent In Thousands.
-
Business1 week agoA tale of two Ralphs — Lauren and the supermarket — shows the reality of a K-shaped economy
-
Detroit, MI4 days ago2 hospitalized after shooting on Lodge Freeway in Detroit
-
Politics1 week agoCommentary: America tried something new in 2025. It’s not going well
-
Politics1 week agoMarjorie Taylor Greene criticizes Trump’s meetings with Zelenskyy, Netanyahu: ‘Can we just do America?’
-
Health1 week agoRecord-breaking flu numbers reported in New York state, sparking warnings from officials