Albuquerque, NM – This afternoon, a jury convicted Izaiah Garcia of 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. Garcia is guilty on all counts related to the 2019 murder of 21-year-old Cayla Campos. Garcia could face life plus 23 years, sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.
In 2019, Cayla Campos and her boyfriend were playing Pokémon Go at Bianchetti Park in the Northeast area of Albuquerque. Campos and her boyfriend witnessed Garcia attempting to rob three teenagers at gunpoint at which point Campos began leaving the scene in her vehicle. Garcia noticed Campos fleeing and proceeded to chase after her on foot, firing multiple shots with an assault rifle, striking Campos as she was driving away. She was pronounced dead shortly after the incident at UNMH.
“I am extremely proud of the fact that we were able to secure justice for Cayla’s family, but I also know that nothing we accomplished in the courtroom will ever heal their pain or replace the loss to our community,” said Attorney General Raúl 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 policy makers in Santa Fe – 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 has also prosecuted both cases, the 2021 conviction was related to the 2019 murder of Sandia High School student Sean Markey during a homecoming party. During sentencing in 2023, Garcia was sentenced to life in prison. The case remained with Attorney General Torrez and State Prosecutor John Duran through the transition from the District Attorney’s office to the NMDOJ.
