Suspect in Utah Murder Arrested Just Days After Deportation

Tooele County – Authorities have revealed new information about the murder of 31-year-old Talia Lee Benward, whose body was found in a remote Tooele County location on Saturday morning, Jan. 4, 2025.

Nestor Oved Rocha-Aguayo, 24, was arrested on Sunday, Jan. 5, and faces multiple charges, including aggravated murder, tampering with evidence, abuse or desecration of a dead human body, receiving or transferring a stolen vehicle, aggravated robbery, and attempted escape. These charges come in connection with the death of Benward, a Kearns woman last seen on Jan. 1.

The investigation began on Jan. 2, when Benward’s family reported her missing after she failed to return a borrowed car. Police soon learned that Benward and Rocha-Aguayo had been in a tumultuous relationship marked by prior domestic violence incidents. Despite Rocha-Aguayo’s denial, family members confirmed that Benward had been in contact with him on Jan. 1, arranging to meet at a West Jordan gas station.

Surveillance footage from that gas station showed Benward and Rocha-Aguayo interacting normally, but an argument soon followed. Police investigation showed both individuals’ phones traveling to a secluded area in Magna before moving to a rural Tooele County location, where Benward’s phone ceased activity while Rocha-Aguayo’s phone returned to Salt Lake County.

Also Read – Man on Parole Faces Multiple Charges After Kidnapping Victim Over Owed Debt

Upon locating Benward’s borrowed vehicle, officers discovered traces of blood inside, leading them to a burn pit in Tooele County where Benward’s partially burned remains were found. The body showed significant trauma, including defensive wounds and signs of being dragged after death.

Further investigation revealed that Rocha-Aguayo had been in a violent altercation with police on Jan. 4 when he attempted to flee custody after being stopped in a vehicle. Despite his escape attempt, Rocha-Aguayo was apprehended the following day by U.S. Marshals. He also attempted to flee again during transport but was stopped.

Rocha-Aguayo, previously convicted of third-degree felony domestic violence in October 2024, is currently held in Salt Lake County Jail awaiting further legal proceedings.

Support for victims and survivors of domestic violence is available at 1-800-897-LINK (5465). In an emergency, dial 911.

• Author
• Recent Posts

keelee-mccain

Keelee McCain is a junior at Weber High School. This is her second year on staff, this year as Assistant to the Chief. She does have a life (probably) but she can't think of anything to write in here, so she's probably just going to ramble now. She has an orange cat who she likes better than any human. If you see her being quiet or not sitting on top of a desk, there is something very wrong. In her free time she enjoys harassing her favorite teachers and sleeping. Her life plans include making it through high school and leaving. Happy lifeing.

Latest posts by keelee-mccain (see all)

• UDOT Celebrates $1 Billion in Completed Projects as 2024 Ends - January 10, 2025
• Trash Collection Changes in Salt Lake City: When to Set Out Your Bins - January 10, 2025
• Sister Speaks Out After Woman Found Dead in Ex-Boyfriend’s Car - January 10, 2025