Investigators Uncover Chilling Details in Murder of Kearns Woman, Arrest of Boyfriend
Tooele County – Court documents from the arrest of Nestor Oved Rocha-Aguayo, 24, reveal chilling details about the murder of his girlfriend, Talia Lee Benward, 31, and the sequence of events that led to her body being discovered and Rocha-Aguayo’s arrest.
Discovery of Benward’s Body
Benward’s remains were found on January 6, 2025, in Tooele County, covered by sagebrush near a burn pit. The body showed significant trauma to her face and neck, as well as defensive wounds on her arms and chest. Benward was partially clothed, with signs that she had been dragged and suffered injuries after death.
The Chain of Events
The investigation began on January 2, 2025, after Benward, who had borrowed a car, went missing and was not in contact with family. Police learned that she had been in a domestic relationship with Rocha-Aguayo, who had a history of domestic violence involving Benward.
On January 1, surveillance footage showed Benward picking up Rocha-Aguayo in her borrowed vehicle. While initially appearing calm, the two were later seen arguing in the car. Phone records revealed they traveled to Tooele County, where Benward’s phone was tracked to a location near a road, while Rocha-Aguayo’s phone was traced back to a Kearns address, where a bloodstained vehicle was found.
The Bloody Evidence
The vehicle was later confirmed to have human blood on the exterior and interior. A missing floor mat and a strong smell of gasoline in the trunk added to the evidence linking the car to the crime. A taxi service also confirmed picking up Rocha-Aguayo from the area where the car was located.
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Rocha-Aguayo’s Flight and Arrest
Following the discovery of Benward’s body, Rocha-Aguayo was located and arrested, though he initially managed to flee custody after a failed attempt to deploy a taser. U.S. Marshals tracked him to a bus headed for Mexico. Despite another attempt to escape during his arrest, Rocha-Aguayo was eventually apprehended in Fillmore, Utah, on January 7.
Charges and Previous Convictions
Rocha-Aguayo faces multiple charges, including aggravated murder, tampering with evidence, and aggravated robbery. Court records also show a history of domestic violence charges against him, with Benward being a previous victim. Rocha-Aguayo is being held without bail.
The Investigation Continues
As the investigation progresses, authorities are piecing together the full scope of this tragic crime. The community remains shocked by the brutality of the incident, and police are continuing to seek further information to support the case.
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