LAS CRUCES, New Mexico (KVIA) — Joel Arciniega-Saenz, the man accused of decapitating James Garcia, 51, and playing soccer with his head, was found guilty of first-degree murder.
The murder happened June 20, 2021 at Apodaca Park in Las Cruces. Prosecutors say the verdict follows a “lengthy” legal process made complicated by questions surrounding Arciniega-Saenz’s competency.
Prosecutors say that Arciniega-Saenz was unhoused at the time the murder happened. They say he stabbed Garcia with a small switchblade 84 times, decapitated him, and severed his finger.
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