Brutal Park Murder: Man Decapitates Victim, Kicks Head at Cars

A New Mexico man has been convicted of first-degree murder in a case so gruesome it shocked even veteran investigators. Joel Arciniega-Saenz, 28, brutally stabbed James Garcia 84 times, decapitated him, and then kicked his severed head at cars in a public park.

A Gruesome and Public Killing

On June 20, 2021, police discovered Garcia’s mutilated body in the roadway near Apodaca Park in Las Cruces. His head was found about 10 yards away. Officers arrested Arciniega-Saenz at the scene, where he was found with bloodstains on his hands and boots. As reported by KTSM, a bloodied knife was also recovered nearby, according to court records.

Arciniega-Saenz admitted to police that he had confronted Garcia over stolen belongings before attacking him with a switchblade. After stabbing Garcia repeatedly, he decapitated him, severed a finger, and dragged his body into the street. He then proceeded to “play soccer” with the victim’s head, kicking it at 14 different cars, according to USA Today.

A Troubled History

This was not the first time Arciniega-Saenz had faced a murder charge. In 2017, he was arrested in connection with the killing of 21-year-old Benjamin Montoya at a Las Cruces motel, but the charges were dropped after a key witness was unable to testify.

At the time of Garcia’s murder, Arciniega-Saenz was homeless and living in the park. He told police that he, his wife, and Garcia had spent time together in the days leading up to the attack. He claimed that Garcia had previously sexually assaulted his wife and had stolen their belongings, though investigators have not confirmed these allegations.

Trial and Conviction

Arciniega-Saenz’s trial was marked by delays due to questions surrounding his mental competency. However, after a three-day trial, a jury found him guilty of first-degree murder on March 5, 2024.

“Despite lengthy challenges, we remained steadfast in our pursuit of justice for those affected,” Doña Ana County District Attorney Fernando Macias said in a statement according to PEOPLE.

A ‘Great Day for Justice’

Following the verdict, Chief Deputy District Attorney Spencer Willson praised the efforts of law enforcement, saying, “It’s a great day for justice. Our office remains committed to working diligently to make our streets safer, one case at a time,” USA Today reported.

Chief Deputy District Attorney Melissa Garcia also commended the Las Cruces Police Department, calling the case “horrific” and emphasizing the officers’ dedication to seeing justice served, according to USA Today.

Arciniega-Saenz now faces a life sentence, bringing closure to a case that left an unforgettable mark on the Las Cruces community.

References: Man Convicted of Decapitating Victim and Playing ‘Soccer’ with His Head in N.M Park: Prosecutor | Las Cruces man decapitated victim in Apodaca Park murder: affidavit | ‘Gruesome’: Man found guilty of decapitating man, playing soccer with his head