Words + Dreams

A story in People Magazine by KC Baker tells about “a New Mexico man who decapitated a 51-year-old victim and ‘played soccer’ with his head has been found guilty of murder. Arciniega-Saenz, who was homeless at the time of the crime, ‘carried out a horrific attack on the victim, stabbing James Garcia 84 times with a small switchblade,’

The attacker ‘decapitated Garcia and severed his finger,’ said Doña Ana County District Attorney Fernando Macias. After that, Arciniega-Saenz proceeded to ‘play soccer’ with the victim’s head in Apodaca Park in Las Cruces.

Arciniega-Saenz said ‘he kicked the victim’s head at 14 different cars in the park, according to a probable cause affidavit obtained by local station KTSM.’  

Apparently the verdict came ‘after a lengthy legal process marked by challenges surrounding the defendant’s competency,’” according to Doña Ana County District Attorney Fernando Macias.

Say what? There were challenges surrounding his competency? He stabbed a man 84 times with a switchblade, decapitated him and cut off a finger, than played soccer with his head, kicking it at 14 different cars. And there is some lingering doubt about his sanity? Seriously?

If there was ever a person who could safely be called bull-goose looney, it’s that dude. You’ve got to hand it to the guy, he did keep the crime unique.

Source: People, published March 6, 2025