Gruesome Incident: Head Used as Soccer Ball

Man Convicted for Decapitating Victim in Park

In June 2021, Joel Arciniega-Saenz, a 25-year-old man from Las Cruces, New Mexico, committed a gruesome crime that shocked the community. Arciniega-Saenz stabbed 51-year-old James Garcia 84 times, decapitated him, and then engaged in a disturbing act by kicking Garcia’s severed head around Apodaca Park, reportedly playing “soccer” with it.

The incident unfolded when Arciniega-Saenz confronted Garcia, alleging that Garcia had stolen his belongings. After the confrontation, Arciniega-Saenz dragged Garcia’s body into the street and kicked the head, making contact with at least 14 vehicles.

Arciniega-Saenz was apprehended at the scene, found with dried blood on his hands and a knife nearby. During interrogation, he confessed to the crime, stating he believed Garcia had raped his wife four years earlier, though he did not identify her.

After a trial, Arciniega-Saenz was convicted of first-degree murder on March 5, 2025. He faces a sentence of 30 years to life in prison.