Aggravated Murder & Aggravated Kidnapping Charges Filed Against Nestor Rocha Aguayo

Today, Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill announced six felony charges filed against Nestor Rocha Aguayo, including aggravated murder and aggravated kidnapping charges, for his alleged connection to the disappearance and death of a woman he had been in a relationship with, T.B.

On January 2, 2024, Unified Police Department was contacted by G.S., T.B.’s ex-boyfriend, that T.B. had borrowed his white Volkswagen Jetta but had not returned it and was not answering her phone. Later, T.B.’s father contacted Unified Police and said that T.B. had been missing for over a day and the family could not get in contact with her. G.S. contacted police again saying he had found Instagram messages between T.B. and the defendant that were threatening. At that point, G.S. asked that his Volkswagen Jetta be listed as missing. The Jetta was found at a location associated with the defendant. When officers found the Volkswagen Jetta they found blood throughout the car, a missing floor mat, and a strong smell of gasoline in the trunk. 

After gaining access to T.B.’s tablet, investigators discovered that the defendant and T.B. had planned to meet on January 1, 2025, at a gas station near 9000 South and 5600 West in Salt Lake County. Surveillance footage showed the defendant getting dropped off and getting into the white car T.B. was driving. In the surveillance footage, they appeared to be arguing, but then they left together. Detectives learned that T.B. and the defendant drove around Salt Lake County shopping, and went to Magna Regional Park around 6:45pm, where they remained for approximately 40 minutes. T.B. and the defendant then left the park and traveled to Tooele County.  At 10:20pm, the defendant’s phone data shows him traveling to a residence on Kathleen Drive in Salt Lake County. 

Based on the evidence, law enforcement went to a remote area in Tooele County where they discovered a burn pit with the remnants of a mat matching the one missing from the Volkswagen Jetta. A cadaver dog was called out and it located the body of T.B. The medical examiners determined the cause of her death was homicide caused by a mix of asphyxiation and blunt force trauma.  

Law enforcement officials later learned that the defendant was traveling on a bus, possibly fleeing to Mexico. They were able to take the defendant into custody after he tried to flee from them in Beaver, Utah. 

After obtaining a search warrant for the defendant’s phone, police found pictures of T.B.’s body in a similar state as when they found her body in Tooele County. In the photograph, to the left of T.B.’s body, the ankle and shoe of the defendant can be seen. Other photos on the defendant’s phone show T.B.’s battered body and face. The defendant had sent five of the pictures of T.B.’s body to himself on Facebook messenger. 

Police also obtained surveillance footage of the defendant at a Maverik gas station at 4692 South 4800 West. In the footage, the defendant has a container in his hand that he sets down next to the gas pump, he then walks into Maverik and purchases gloves, a lighter, and gasoline with cash. The defendant then exits the store, fills the container shaped like an anti-freeze bottle with gasoline, and walks northbound out of camera view. The defendant’s full body can be seen on the video wearing a black sweatshirt, jeans, and Under Armor shoes, which matched those seen in the photograph of T.B.

The defendant is charged with one count of first-degree felony aggravated murder, one count of first-degree felony aggravated kidnapping, three counts of second-degree felony obstructing justice, and one count of third-degree felony abuse or desecration of a human body. 

“This is a case that has shocked our community. We hope the family and loved ones of the victim can get the support they need to help them through this incredibly difficult time, ” said Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill. “Our office will continue to work closely with the Unified Police Department as the investigation into this alleged crime continues. All persons accused of wrongdoing are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.”