New Mexico Was the Site of a Senseless Pokémon Go Murder

Even after it's introduction in 2016, Pokémon Go has proven to be extremely popular & continues to have many active players, including in New Mexico. I know that's also the case here in Texas and El Paso. But throughout the game's history, there have been some crimes committed while people have played Pokémon Go; including one murder case in New Mexico.

When was someone murdered in New Mexico while playing Pokémon Go?

In October 18, 2019, a 21 year old woman, Cayla Campos & her boyfriend were playing Pokémon Go in Albuquerque, New Mexico near Bianchetti Park. The 2 were shot as they witnesses to an armed robbery; Campos was shot & killed on the spot. Believe it or, Cayla was sadly the 20th person to have died while playing Pokémon Go worldwide.

5 years later there would be justice served for Cayla Campos

Izaiah Garcia, the man responsible for the 2019 robbery & murder of Cayla Campos, was arrested in August 2021 for a separate charge; first degree murder of a 17 year Sandia High School student at a homecoming party on September 29, 2019. He was 20 at the time & was originally sentenced to 30 years in prison for the murder of the Sandia high school student first until it was revealed that he was also the same person who murdered Cayla in October, just 3 weeks after his first murder.

On February 29, 2024, Izaiah Garcia was found guilty in the death of Cayla Campos. He was given a TON of charges including...first-degree murder, depraved mind murder, shooting at a motor vehicle, armed robbery, assault with intent to commit a violent felony, tampering with evidence, child abuse and conspiracy... WOW.

He is currently facing getting a life sentence in regards to both murders.

This is so sad thinking that one life was taken senselessly just playing a mobile game & another life was taken so soon in life. Our condolences go out to both victims' families & friends.

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