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Teen charged with murders of four family members

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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.   

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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. 

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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.

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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. 

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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.



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New Mexico

New Mexicans take part in People's March with prominent figure

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New Mexicans take part in People's March with prominent figure


The march brought people together to advocate for various issues, including women’s rights, and featured outgoing Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, a New Mexico native herself.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — New Mexicans took part in a national movement with a prominent figure at their side Sunday in Albuquerque.

A large crowd of people gathered for The People’s March, which brings people together to advocate for various issues, like women’s rights and immigration.

“I haven’t actually come out and stood up for what I believe in, and now’s the time to do it, I think, more than ever, honestly,” said Cat Edmonds, who marched for the first time.

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There was a familiar face joining Edmonds in the march. Deb Haaland, the outgoing secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior and a member of the Laguna Pueblo in New Mexico, made her way back home from Washington, D.C.

“I’m so happy to be here. I’ve been a part of this march for many years, and happy to be here once more,” Haaland said.

As the Interior Secretary under former President Joe Biden, Haaland became the first Native American to serve as a cabinet secretary. Her term ended Monday when Donald Trump took the oath of office and became president.

Haaland said she is proud of what she accomplished.

In 2023, her office took action to protect the Chaco region from new oil and gas leasing and mining claims. At the time, she was met with Navajo protesters who blocked the route to Chaco Canyon.

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Tribal-led conservation was a big push for Haaland during her term but not the only key issue.

“I think that, generally, President Biden was just so great on conservation. So we were able to get a lot of conservation efforts across the finish line for here in New Mexico, but it’s everything else too,” she said.

Recently in New Mexico, her department agreed to a settlement with the Jemez Pueblo over land rights in the Valles Caldera National Preserve.

“I’m a New Mexican, I’m a Pueblo woman. I take that perspective wherever I go. And so being in Washington, D.C., having the opportunity to manage a 65,000 career workforce, and manage all of our public lands, it was really a wonderful opportunity and such an honor,” Haaland said.

There is no official word on what Haaland’s next move will be.

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New Mexico Lottery Pick 3 Day, Pick 3 Evening results for Jan. 19, 2025

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The New Mexico Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Jan. 19, 2025, results for each game:

Pick 3

Day: 1-0-7

Evening: 8-8-1

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

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Pick 4

Evening: 2-0-3-5

Day: 3-9-9-9

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Roadrunner Cash

04-05-18-23-26

Check Roadrunner Cash payouts and previous drawings here.

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Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Winning lottery numbers are sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network.

Where can you buy lottery tickets?

Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.

You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Texas, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.

Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 18+ (19+ in NE, 21+ in AZ). Physically present where Jackpocket operates. Jackpocket is not affiliated with any State Lottery. Eligibility Restrictions apply. Void where prohibited. Terms: jackpocket.com/tos.

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This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Las Cruces Sun-News editor. You can send feedback using this form.



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At The People’s March in New Mexico, rally goers brace for second Trump presidency • Source New Mexico

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At The People’s March in New Mexico, rally goers brace for second Trump presidency • Source New Mexico


On the eve of President-elect Donald Trump’s second inauguration, speakers at a rally in New Mexico’s largest city called for a new social movement to defy Trump and confront fascism.

Hosted by the New Mexico Women’s March, The People’s March was timed in conjunction with similar protests in Washington D.C. and around the country.

New Mexico Women’s March Chair Samia Assed told the hundreds gathered at Albuquerque’s Civic Plaza the political moment demands practicing democracy and protecting the right to protest.

“A big responsibility lies on our shoulders, and we have to be up for it,” Assed said. “Come Tuesday, President Trump will have his 100 executive orders ready for us. Project 2025 will unfold. Are we going to fight back?”

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Assed introduced outgoing U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, the event’s keynote speaker. Haaland noted the record 60 women headed to the state Legislature this week and said there’s much more to do to support parents and working people.

Haaland said Trump is “surrounding himself with super-rich people who look down on us and our communities.”

“Our fight is not over. We will need to do the hard work of getting important things done and pushing back against an administration who couldn’t care less about regular people, about people like us,” Haaland said. “We will need to unapologetically stand up to make change to ensure that your voices are heard. We need more people with real lived experiences elected to office and serving our communities as doctors, scientists, CEOs, so that solutions reflect who we are.”

Other speakers at the rally included state Sens. Antoinette Sedillo Lopez and Harold Pope, Rep. Eleanor Chavez, Pueblo Action Alliance Executive Director Julia Bernal, Faith Roots Reproductive Action Development Director Karinna Solares and El Centro de Igualdad y Derechos Community Organizer Fabiola Landeros.

“We’re going to fight to remind people in power that they answer to us,” Haaland said.

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