Joel Arciniega-Saenz, a New Mexico man, was found guilty of murder after he brutally decapitated 51-year-old James Garcia. Arciniega-Saenz continued the ruthless attack by kicking Garcia’s head around like a soccer ball.
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Details On Man’s Guilty Conviction After Brutally Decapitating Victim
PEOPLE reports a judge convicted 28-year-old Joel Arciniega-Saenz of first-degree murder on March 5 for the horrific 2021 murder of James Garcia. According to KFOX14, Saenz allegedly impaled Garcia 84 times with a small switchblade. He then reportedly decapitated Garcia and cut off his middle finger. Afterward, he allegedly began kicking the victim’s head around like a soccer ball. Per PEOPLE, Saenz allegedly admitted to kicking James Garcia’s head at 14 different cars in Apodaca Park in Las Cruces.
On the night of the attack, he reportedly told detectives he had been staying at the park for four days with his wife and Garcia because he was homeless. Saenz said they ended up falling asleep, and someone took their belongings before they woke up. He then accused Garcia of stealing from them. After that, he allegedly decapitated the man, and dragged his body into the street, “kicking his head around.”
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More About Joel Arciniega-Saenz & What’s Next For Him?
KFOX14 says that authorities are holding Joel Ariciniega-Saenz at the Dona Ana County Detention Center on murder charges. At this time, his sentencing and next steps remain unclear.
District Attorney’s React To Arciniega-Saenz Verdict
Doña Ana District Attorney Fernando Macias expressed his condolences to James Garcia’s family and emphasized his commitment to holding violent attackers accountable.
“Despite lengthy challenges, we remained steadfast in our pursuit of justice for those affected. We extend our condolences to the family and loved ones of James Garcia and reaffirm our commitment to holding violent offenders accountable and ensuring the safety of this community,” Macias explained.
While Chief Deputy District Attorney Spencer Wilson called Joel Arciniega-Saenz’s conviction a major win for justice. “It’s a great day for justice. Our office remains committed to working diligently to make our streets safer, one case at a time.”
