SLC Times

An illegal alien who recently reentered the United States after deportation is facing six felony charges, including aggravated murder, in the death of his ex-girlfriend.

According to a release from Salt Lake County, Nestor Rocha-Aguayo, 26, was arrested while attempting to flee to Mexico after evidence linked him to Talia Lee Benward’s disappearance and death.

On Jan. 2, police were alerted by Benward’s ex-boyfriend after she failed to return his Volkswagen Jetta and could not be reached by phone. The situation escalated when Benward’s father also reported her missing. 

Police later uncovered threatening Instagram messages between Rocha-Aguayo and Benward, prompting them to list the Jetta as a missing vehicle. Officers located the car at a property associated with Rocha-Aguayo, finding blood throughout the interior, a missing floor mat, and a strong gasoline odor in the trunk.

Investigators determined that Rocha-Aguayo and Benward had met on Jan. 1 at a gas station in Salt Lake County, as seen in surveillance footage. The footage showed the pair leaving together after an apparent argument. They were tracked driving around Salt Lake County, eventually stopping at Magna Regional Park before heading to Tooele County later that evening.

Based on phone records and evidence, law enforcement searched a remote area in Tooele County, where they discovered a burn pit containing a mat matching the one missing from the Jetta. 

Cadaver dogs led police to Benward’s body, which showed signs of asphyxiation and blunt force trauma. Photos recovered from Rocha-Aguayo’s phone depicted Benward’s battered body, with some showing Rocha-Aguayo’s ankle and shoe visible beside her remains.

Rocha-Aguayo was captured in Beaver, Utah, while attempting to flee on a bus to Mexico. 

Surveillance footage also showed him purchasing gloves, a lighter, and gasoline from a Maverik gas station shortly after the murder. Authorities allege that he used these items to desecrate Benward’s body.

“This is a case that has shocked our community,” said Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill. “We hope the family and loved ones of the victim can get the support they need during this incredibly difficult time.”

According to court documents, Rocha-Aguayo faces six charges: aggravated murder, aggravated kidnapping, obstruction of justice, and abuse or desecration of a human body.

He remains in custody, and the investigation is ongoing.