Talia Benward, a 31-year-old from Kearns, Utah, was tragically found deceased in Tooele County on January 4th. Her boyfriend, 24-year-old Nestor Rocha-Aguayo, has been arrested in connection with her death. Benward was last seen on New Year's Day at a West Jordan convenience store. Her body was discovered approximately 45 minutes away in a remote area of Tooele.
Rocha-Aguayo, originally from Sinaloa, Mexico, has a history of deportation and illegal re-entry into the United States. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed he was deported twice, most recently on December 24th, only to return to Utah shortly before Benward's disappearance. Court documents reveal a turbulent relationship between the couple, including multiple domestic violence incidents and a series of charges against Rocha-Aguayo ranging from robbery and assault to drug-related offenses.
Security footage from the convenience store on New Year's Day shows Benward and Rocha-Aguayo seemingly arguing in a vehicle. They then drove towards Tooele, where Benward’s phone lost its signal. Rocha-Aguayo was later seen returning to Salt Lake City alone. Investigators discovered bloodstains inside the vehicle and floor mat remnants near Benward's body that matched the vehicle’s interior.
Rocha-Aguayo now faces charges including aggravated murder, desecration of a human body, and aggravated robbery. An ICE detainer has been placed on him. Police urge anyone with information about the case to contact authorities.
