Fleeing to Mexico: Charges Filed Against Man Involved in Woman’s Disappearance and Death
Charges have been filed against Nestor Rocha-Aguayo in connection with the disappearance and death of Talia Benward. On Tuesday, Rocha-Aguayo was charged with first-degree felony aggravated murder, first-degree felony aggravated kidnapping, three counts of second-degree felony obstructing justice, and third-degree felony abuse or desecration of a human body, according to the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office.
The case began on January 2 when Benward’s ex-boyfriend contacted the Unified Police Department (UPD) to report that she had borrowed his white Volkswagen Jetta but had failed to return it and was not responding to her phone. Later that day, Benward’s father also contacted UPD, reporting her as missing for more than 24 hours. The ex-boyfriend later reached out again, saying he had discovered threatening messages between Benward and Rocha-Aguayo on Instagram and mentioned that the Jetta was missing.
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Upon investigation, the Jetta was found at a location linked to Rocha-Aguayo, with blood, a missing floor mat, and a strong odor of gasoline in the trunk. Rocha-Aguayo, who had been deported to Mexico on December 24, had allegedly contacted Benward to inform her he had returned to Utah.
Investigators accessed Benward’s tablet and discovered that she and Rocha-Aguayo had planned to meet on January 1 at a gas station near 9000 South and 5600 West. Surveillance footage showed Rocha-Aguayo getting into the Jetta driven by Benward, and it appeared they were arguing before leaving together.
The two reportedly went shopping around Salt Lake County before heading to Magna Regional Park at approximately 6:45 p.m., where they stayed for about 45 minutes. They then traveled to Tooele County. At 10:20 p.m., phone data placed Rocha-Aguayo at a residence on Kathleen Drive in Salt Lake County.
With this information, officers searched a remote area in Tooele County and discovered a burn pit containing a mat similar to the one missing from the Jetta. A cadaver dog located Benward’s body shortly after. The medical examiner determined that Benward died from a combination of asphyxiation and blunt force trauma.
Authorities later learned that Rocha-Aguayo was on a bus fleeing to Mexico, but he was apprehended and taken into custody. A search of his phone uncovered disturbing pictures of Benward’s body in the same condition as when it was found in Tooele County. Additional images showed her battered face, ankle, and shoe, with Rocha-Aguayo reportedly sending five of these pictures to himself via Facebook Messenger.
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Surveillance footage also showed Rocha-Aguayo purchasing gloves, a lighter, and gasoline at a Maverik gas station near 4692 South 4800 West. He was seen filling a container with gasoline, and the clothing he wore matched that seen in the photos of Benward.
Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill commented on the case, saying, “This is a case that has shocked our community. We hope the family and loved ones of the victim can get the support they need to help them through this incredibly difficult time.”
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