Topline: The man carried out a “horrific attack” on the victim, stabbing Garcia 84 times with a small switchblade.
Published: March 7, 2025 7:00 am ET
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Joel Arciniega-Saenz (via Doña Ana County Jail)
LAS CRUCES, NM – A man was convicted this week for a 2021 murder where he reportedly decapitated a victim.
Joel Arciniega-Saenz, 28, was found guilty of first-degree murder in the brutal killing of 51-year-old James Garcia on June 20, 2021, Doña Ana District Attorney Fernando Macias announced on Wednesday.
Prosecutors said the verdict comes after a “lengthy legal process marked by challenges surrounding the defendant’s competency.”
Arciniega-Saenz, who was homeless at the time of the crime, carried out a “horrific attack” on the victim, stabbing Garcia 84 times with a small switchblade.
Arciniega-Saenz decapitated Garcia and severed his finger.
He then proceeded to “play soccer” with the victim’s head following the murder, according to authorities.
“Despite lengthy challenges, we remained steadfast in our pursuit of justice for those affected,” District Attorney Fernando Macias said in a statement. “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.”
Arciniega-Saenz confessed to the murder in 2021 and said his motive was retaliation for Garcia allegedly raping his wife four years prior, according to a probable cause affidavit obtained by NBC affiliate KTSM.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
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Man Convicted of Decapitating Victim in 2021, Playing ‘Soccer’ With His Head
The man carried out a “horrific attack” on the victim, stabbing Garcia 84 times with a small switchblade.
By Jacob Charles
Published: March 7, 2025 7:00 am ET
Joel Arciniega-Saenz (via Doña Ana County Jail)
LAS CRUCES, NM – A man was convicted this week for a 2021 murder where he reportedly decapitated a victim.
Joel Arciniega-Saenz, 28, was found guilty of first-degree murder in the brutal killing of 51-year-old James Garcia on June 20, 2021, Doña Ana District Attorney Fernando Macias announced on Wednesday.
Prosecutors said the verdict comes after a “lengthy legal process marked by challenges surrounding the defendant’s competency.”
Arciniega-Saenz, who was homeless at the time of the crime, carried out a “horrific attack” on the victim, stabbing Garcia 84 times with a small switchblade.
Arciniega-Saenz decapitated Garcia and severed his finger.
He then proceeded to “play soccer” with the victim’s head following the murder, according to authorities.
“Despite lengthy challenges, we remained steadfast in our pursuit of justice for those affected,” District Attorney Fernando Macias said in a statement. “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.”
Arciniega-Saenz confessed to the murder in 2021 and said his motive was retaliation for Garcia allegedly raping his wife four years prior, according to a probable cause affidavit obtained by NBC affiliate KTSM.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
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Editor Picks
Latest Articles
Man Convicted of Decapitating Victim in 2021, Playing ‘Soccer’ With His Head
The man carried out a “horrific attack” on the victim, stabbing Garcia 84 times with a small switchblade.
By Jacob Charles
Published: March 7, 2025 7:00 am ET
Joel Arciniega-Saenz (via Doña Ana County Jail)
LAS CRUCES, NM – A man was convicted this week for a 2021 murder where he reportedly decapitated a victim.
Joel Arciniega-Saenz, 28, was found guilty of first-degree murder in the brutal killing of 51-year-old James Garcia on June 20, 2021, Doña Ana District Attorney Fernando Macias announced on Wednesday.
Prosecutors said the verdict comes after a “lengthy legal process marked by challenges surrounding the defendant’s competency.”
Arciniega-Saenz, who was homeless at the time of the crime, carried out a “horrific attack” on the victim, stabbing Garcia 84 times with a small switchblade.
Arciniega-Saenz decapitated Garcia and severed his finger.
He then proceeded to “play soccer” with the victim’s head following the murder, according to authorities.
“Despite lengthy challenges, we remained steadfast in our pursuit of justice for those affected,” District Attorney Fernando Macias said in a statement. “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.”
Arciniega-Saenz confessed to the murder in 2021 and said his motive was retaliation for Garcia allegedly raping his wife four years prior, according to a probable cause affidavit obtained by NBC affiliate KTSM.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
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