A New Mexico man was found guilty of first-degree murder after decapitating a man and “playing soccer” with his head in 2021, officials announced Wednesday.
Doña Ana District Attorney Fernando Macias stated that Joel Arciniega-Saenz was convicted for the killing of 51-year-old James Garcia at Apodaca Park in Las Cruces, according to KRQE News.
The district attorney’s office explained that the verdict, reached after several years, followed a lengthy legal process complicated by challenges regarding Arciniega-Saenz’s competency and his living situation.
At the time of the crime, Arciniega-Saenz, who was experiencing homelessness, stabbed Garcia 84 times with a small switchblade. He then decapitated Garcia, severed his finger, and proceeded to “play soccer” with the victim’s head.
“Although our office prosecuted this case, the real heroes are the Las Cruces Police Department officers. This was a horrific case that they investigated and stayed with from beginning to end. We commend and appreciate their dedication,” said Chief Deputy District Attorney Melissa Garcia.
“We are grateful to the officers for their hard work and are pleased that we could secure justice and make our community safer,” she added.