Izaiah Garcia Sentenced to Life in Prison, 13 Years in Prison for Murder of Cayla Campos – Los Alamos Reporter

Lina Portman2 days ago

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PRESS RELEASE FROM THE MINISTRY OF JUSTICE

This afternoon, a jury found Izaiah Garcia guilty of first-degree murder, first-degree murder, shooting at a motor vehicle, armed robbery, assault with intent to commit a violent crime, tampering with evidence, child abuse and conspiracy. Garcia is guilty on all counts related to the 2019 murder of 21-year-old Cayla Campos. Garcia could face up to life in prison plus 23 years in prison, with sentencing to be set at a later date.

In 2019, Cayla Campos and her boyfriend were playing Pokémon Go at Bianchetti Park in northeast Albuquerque. Campos and her boyfriend saw Garcia attempting to rob three teenagers at gunpoint, and Campos then began to leave the scene in her vehicle. Garcia noticed Campos fleeing and gave chase on foot, firing several shots from an assault rifle, striking Campos as she drove away. She was pronounced dead shortly after the incident at UNMH.

“I am extremely proud that we were able to achieve justice for Cayla’s family, but I also know that nothing we accomplished in court will ever heal their pain or replace the loss to our community.” said Attorney General Raul Torrez.“I also want to thank the dedicated police officers and prosecutors who worked together to bring Garcia to justice. Their tireless commitment to public safety should serve as an example to all New Mexicans – including Santa Fe’s policymakers – that there is still much work to be done to reduce violent crime in our communities.”

This is the second conviction against Izaiah Garcia that the Torrez administration has received. Deputy Attorney General John Duran also prosecuted both cases, with the 2021 conviction being related to the 2019 murder of Sandia High School student Sean Markey at a homecoming party. In the 2023 conviction, Garcia was sentenced to life in prison. The case remained in the hands of Attorney General Torrez and State Attorney John Duran during the transition from the district attorney’s office to the NMDOJ.