A twice-deported illegal immigrant is charged with the brutal murder of his girlfriend in Utah, reigniting debates on immigration policy and domestic violence.
At a Glance
- Nestor Rocha-Aguayo, 24, charged with murdering ex-girlfriend Talia Benward in Utah
- Rocha-Aguayo had been deported twice before, last time on December 24, 2024
- Benward’s body found in remote area with signs of blunt force trauma and neck injuries
- Suspect attempted to flee to Mexico before being apprehended
- Case sparks renewed debate on immigration enforcement and domestic violence
Tragic Discovery and Arrest
Law enforcement officials in Utah have charged Nestor Oved Rocha-Aguayo, a 24-year-old illegal immigrant from Mexico, with the murder of his ex-girlfriend, 31-year-old Talia Benward. The victim’s body was discovered in a remote area of Tooele County, partially clothed and bearing significant injuries. Rocha-Aguayo now faces multiple charges, including aggravated murder, aggravated robbery, evidence tampering, and abuse of a corpse.
According to police reports, Benward was last seen on January 1, 2025, after borrowing a car to meet Rocha-Aguayo. Surveillance footage captured the couple’s interaction, which escalated into an argument. Phone data indicated they traveled to Tooele County, where Benward’s phone stopped moving.
UPDATE: After Talia Benward went missing and was found dead, investigators believed she'd been killed.
Nestor Rocha-Aguayo, Benward's ex-boyfriend, has now been arrested. According to police, Aguayo was on his way to Mexico.
READ: https://t.co/sxqcdwhR2H pic.twitter.com/RbsQTLkhBJ
— KSL 5 TV (@KSL5TV) January 6, 2025
Immigration History and Prior Deportations
Rocha-Aguayo’s presence in the United States has been marked by repeated illegal entries and deportations. He first entered the country illegally in September 2016 near Calexico, California. Despite being ordered removed by an immigration judge on April 30, Rocha-Aguayo re-entered the U.S. and was arrested on local charges on November 25.
“Investigators learned (Rocha-Aguayo) had been deported on 12/24/2024. [He] had recently been contacting (Benward), telling her he had come back to Utah,” a police affidavit stated.
The suspect’s criminal history includes convictions for burglary, assault, and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. These offenses, combined with his illegal status, have raised questions about the effectiveness of current immigration policies and enforcement measures.
This is the result of Border Czar Kamala Harris’ leadership.
As the investigation unfolded, authorities pieced together the events leading to Benward’s death. “As the investigation developed and evidence was gathered, it became evident Talia Benward was either being held against her will by a violent ex-boyfriend or was deceased,” Unified police reported.
Investigators discovered a burn pit with partially burned items matching those in the car Benward had borrowed. Preliminary findings suggest she suffered blunt force trauma and neck injuries. Rocha-Aguayo attempted to flee from police twice before being captured on a bus headed to Mexico.
New details have been released in the murder case of 31-year-old Talia Lee Benward, who was found dead in a remote area of Tooele County early Saturday morning, Jan. 4. Reader discretion advised.https://t.co/WF0pjUhHOg
— ABC4 News (@abc4utah) January 7, 2025
There are a few reasons Trump won a second term – and these crimes are clearly among them.
