ICYMI: Murder in New Mexico—KILLER Stabbed Victim 84 Times, Used Head as Soccer Ball!
A homeless man in New Mexico confessed to stabbing, decapitating, and playing with the victim’s head, claiming revenge for a past assault. 🌐 #News #LasCrucesNM #NewMexico #Crime
LAS CRUCES, NM — A New Mexico jury convicted 28-year-old Joel Arciniega-Saenz of first-degree murder for a gruesome crime that took place nearly four years earlier. The convicted man stabbed 51-year-old James Garcia 84 times, decapitated him, and kicked his head around a public park in a shocking act of violence. The murder occurred on June 20, 2021, at Apodaca Park in Las Cruces, a city in southern New Mexico about 45 miles north of El Paso, Texas.
A Grisly Crime in Apodaca Park
Court documents detail the horrific attack. Arciniega-Saenz, who was homeless and living in Apodaca Park at the time, used a switchblade to stab Garcia repeatedly, sever his middle finger, and decapitate him.
He then admitted to kicking Garcia’s head toward 14 separate vehicles in the park, describing it as “playing soccer” with it.
Responding officers found Arciniega-Saenz near the scene with noticeable blood stains on his clothes and a bloody knife stuck in the ground nearby, according to an affidavit.
Arciniega-Saenz confessed to the crime after his arrest, explaining to police that he acted out of revenge. He claimed Garcia had raped his wife four years earlier.
According to a probable cause arrest affidavit, Arciniega-Saenz said he, his wife, and Garcia had been spending time together days before the murder. He alleged that after he and his wife fell asleep, Garcia left and took all their belongings.
Arciniega-Saenz confronted Garcia at the park, took the switchblade from him, and carried out the deadly assault.
Lengthy Legal Battle Ends in Conviction
The case encountered significant delays due to concerns over Arciniega-Saenz’s competency, as noted by the Doña Ana District Attorney’s Office. Despite these obstacles, the prosecution pressed forward.
District Attorney Fernando Macias emphasized that his team stayed committed to securing justice for those impacted and expressed sympathy for Garcia’s family and loved ones.
Chief Deputy District Attorney Melissa Garcia praised the Las Cruces Police Department, describing their officers as the true heroes for their dedication to investigating the appalling case.
Suspect’s Troubled Past
Arciniega-Saenz had prior run-ins with the law.
In 2017, he was the main suspect in the shooting death of 21-year-old Benjamin Isaac Montoya during a fight at a hotel in Las Cruces. Montoya was shot in the chest, but the murder weapon was never located, and charges against Arciniega-Saenz were dropped in 2018. It remains uncertain if he is still linked to that case.
A month before Garcia’s murder, Arciniega-Saenz was also accused of throwing rocks at businesses in the Mesquite Historic District of Las Cruces.
Krystal Montoya, Benjamin Montoya’s sister, spoke to reporters after Arciniega-Saenz’s arrest for the Garcia murder. She described feeling intense anger when she heard the news and recalled staring at her phone and the floor in disbelief. She also mentioned recognizing Arciniega-Saenz’s name from the rock-throwing incident, noting that she felt a sinking dread, thinking another crime had occurred.
Police Response and Evidence
Officers arrived at Apodaca Park following reports of a body on the ground, quickly identifying Arciniega-Saenz as a suspect. The blood-stained clothing and nearby knife provided key evidence tying him to the crime.
His prompt confession further strengthened the case, leading to the guilty verdict announced on March 6, 2025.
The conviction concludes a nearly four-year legal effort, bringing closure to a grim episode for the Las Cruces community and Garcia’s loved ones.
A Moment for Reflection
James Garcia’s life was cut short in a brutal act, leaving his family and loved ones to carry the weight of an irreplaceable loss. The Las Cruces community has stood together through this grim event, showing strength in the face of tragedy. To those affected, the heartache will remain forever, but hopefully this resolution brings a sense of justice and a chance to heal, knowing that even in dark times, perseverance can prevail. Thanks for reading this article, we appreciate it! Until next time, remember: you deserve to feel good today! — Jack and Kitty Norton, Founders and Editors
RELATED TOPICS: Crime | New Mexico | Texas
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
We value your feedback! Did you find this article informative, inspiring, or thought-provoking? Leave a comment below and join the discussion. We appreciate your opinion and look forward to hearing from you!
