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A man charged with the killing of James Garcia, 51, four years ago was found guilty of first-degree murder on Wednesday.
Doña Ana District Attorney Fernando Macias announced that Joel Arciniega-Saenz was found guilty after a lengthy trial process involving challenges surrounding the defendant’s competency. According to the press release, Arciniega-Saenz stabbed Garcia 84 times with a small switchblade, decapitated Garcia and severed a finger. Arciniega-Saenz then “played soccer” with the victim’s head after the murder, according to the release. Arciniega-Saenz was unhoused at the time of the incident.
Chief Deputy District Attorney Spencer Willson, who played a key role in prosecuting the case, stated, “It’s a great day for justice.”
