Fundraiser supports family of domestic violence victim Talia Lee Benward

TAYLORSVILLE, Utah (ABC4) — Hundreds of community members gathered to raise money for the family of a woman who was murdered in an alleged domestic violence incident earlier this month.

Just over two weeks ago, Talia Benward, 31, was found dead in a remote part of Tooele County after she was last seen on Jan. 1. Benward’s boyfriend and suspected killer, Nestor Oved Rocha-Aguayo, 24, was arrested just a day later as he attempted to flee the country.

More than 20 local vendors came together on Sunday, Jan. 19, to raise funds for the Benward family. Each vendor will be donating either part or all of their proceeds to the family. Furthermore, hundreds of community members came to share their own experiences dealing with domestic violence in hopes to raise awareness.

Yosanellen Lopez-Carrasco, a local business owner and organizer of Sunday’s fundraiser, says Benward was a big part of her business Luxury Flowers.

“Since we always help our small business community come together when [there’s] a tragedy like this, we started a fundraiser,” Lopez-Carrasco said.

Sunday’s fundraiser also raised funds for domestic violence resources and awareness through raffles and donation jars. According to organizers, the turnout was unexpected.

“It’s a great turnout! We were not expecting that many people come,” Lopez-Carrasco said, adding that she hopes the event will help raise awareness for how prevalent domestic violence has become.

According to the Utah Department of Health & Human Services, one in four adult homicides is related to domestic violence.

Organizers like Lopez-Carrasco urged potential victims of domestic violence to not be afraid to reach out for help.

“Just speak up for yourself. Do a report. Do what you can,” Lopez-Carrasco said.

Those interested in helping the Benward family can find more information here.

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