A tragic incident in New Mexico has led to the arrest of a 16-year-old boy who allegedly killed four members of his family. The Valencia County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call on Saturday, December 14, from the teenager, who reportedly told the dispatcher that he had killed his family.
When deputies arrived at the home in Belen, they found the boy emerging with his hands raised. Authorities noted that he appeared “extremely intoxicated.” Upon entering the residence, officers discovered the bodies of Leonardo Leyva, 42, Adriana Bencomo, 35, Adrian Leyva, 16, and Alexander Leyva, 14. All victims had apparent gunshot wounds, and a handgun was found on the kitchen table.
It was confirmed that the victims were the boy’s parents and two brothers. As a result, he faces four counts of first-degree murder.
This incident highlights the ongoing issue of gun violence in the United States, where firearms outnumber people and gun laws continue to be a source of controversy. According to the Gun Violence Archive, there have been at least 484 mass shootings in the country this year, defined as incidents involving four or more victims, either killed or injured.
The arrest of the teenager and the devastating loss of life in his family underscore the troubling impact of gun violence, particularly in domestic settings. The case raises important questions about gun safety and the broader societal issues contributing to such tragedies in the U.S.