Talia Lee Benward Obituary, Death;- A 31-year-old woman from Kearns, identified as Talia Lee Benward, who was reported missing on January 2, 2025, has been discovered deceased, as confirmed by Unified Police. The circumstances surrounding her death are being treated as a homicide, and authorities have identified a person of interest in the investigation.
On January 2, family members reported Benward missing to Unified Police. Given the “nature and circumstances” of her disappearance, the department mobilized a team of officers and detectives to expedite the investigation and locate her.
According to a press release from UPD, it became apparent that Talia Benward was either being held against her will by a violent former boyfriend or had already succumbed to harm.
On the early morning of January 4, detectives initiated a search in a remote area of Tooele County, where they suspected Benward might be found. The search area was described as expansive, densely covered with tall brush and cedar trees, and the conditions were challenging due to “nearly total darkness and frigid snowy weather,” as reported by police.
Specially trained K-9 units were deployed to assist in the search. At 5:20 a.m. on January 4, authorities located Benward’s body. Her remains were transported to the Medical Examiner’s Office, which will determine the immediate cause and manner of death.
The preliminary findings suggest that the victim may have sustained blunt force trauma and injuries to her neck, according to the release. The Unified Police Department is treating Talia Benward’s death as a homicide. Currently, Unified Police have identified a person of interest, Nestor Rocha-Aguayo, a 24-year-old resident of West Valley City, Utah.
Authorities urge anyone with information that could assist in locating Nestor Rocha-Aguayo to contact the Unified Police Department at 801-840-4000. They believe he remains in Salt Lake County and advise the public not to confront him but to report any sightings to the police. The investigation is prioritizing the apprehension of the suspect.
