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SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Nestor Oved Rocha-Aguayo, 24, has officially been charged with aggravated murder after his girlfriend, Talia Lee Benward, was found dead in a remote area of Tooele County earlier this month.
Benward, 31, was found on early Saturday morning, Jan. 4, two days after being reported missing by her family. Detectives quickly identified Rocha-Aguayo as the primary suspect and tracked him down to a bus headed for Mexico. Authorities were able to stop the bus and safely take Rocha-Aguayo into custody on Sunday, Jan. 5.
The Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office officially filed charges on Tuesday, Jan 14, accusing Rocha-Aguayo of first-degree felony aggravated murder, first-degree felony aggravated kidnapping, three counts of first-degree felony obstruction of justice, and third-degree felony abuse or desecration of a human 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 to help them through this incredibly difficult time.”
Timeline of Talia Benward’s murder
According to court documents, investigators learned the two had been dating and had “several domestic violence incidents.” Police also learned that Rocha-Aguayo had been deported on Christmas Eve but quickly returned to Utah.
Investigators said the two planned to meet at a gas station near 9000 South and 5600 West on Jan. 1. Surveillance footage from the gas station reportedly shows Rocha-Aguayo and Benward arguing but then leaving together in a white car. The two then reportedly went shopping and to a local park before going to Tooele County.
On Jan. 2, 2025, Benward’s ex-boyfriend contacted the Unified Police Department saying she had borrowed his white Volkswagon Jetta but had not returned it, according to court documents. Benward’s father called Unified Police later in the day saying she had been missing for over a day and the family could not get in touch with her. Her ex-boyfriend then contacted police again saying he found threatening Instagram messages between Benward and Rocha-Aguayo and asked for his car to be listed as missing.
Authorities were able to locate the ex-boyfriend’s car at a location they say is associated with Rocha-Aguayo the same day. According to court documents, the car was found with blood throughout, a missing floor mat, and a strong smell of gasoline in the trunk.
Based on the evidence, law enforcement started a search in a remote area of Tooele County where they found a burn pit with part of the missing floor mat from the Jetta. A cadaver dog was called out and Benward’s body was located. An autopsy from the medical examiner’s office concluded Benward had died of asphyxiation and blunt force trauma, according to court documents.
Rocha-Aguayo then allegedly began to flee the state and possibly head to Mexico. Authorities were able to intercept the bus in Beaver, Utah, where after he allegedly tried to flee authorities, Rocha-Aguayo was safely taken into custody.
He has since been ordered to be held without bail, pending a pretrial hearing. As of Tuesday, Jan. 14, an initial court date has not been set.
Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.