Albuquerque man handed his second life sentence for the murder of Cayla Campos
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) –An Albuquerque man, who committed two high-profile murders before he was out of his teens, was handed his second life sentence on Tuesday.
During the sentencing hearing for Izaiah Garcia, the judge heard from the family of Cayla Campos, who was out playing Pokémon Go in an Albuquerque park before a stranger shot and killed her.
Story continues below
Entertainment: LIST: July 4 firework displays happening in New Mexico
Community: Water reserve doubles, restaurants open back up in Las Vegas
“You’re not worth another thought in our head or a single breath from our mouths,” said Carl Campos, father of the victim.
Family members during Garcia’s sentencing. sentencing. “She was tough but gentle. Intelligent but understanding. Her life would be an amazing journey to continue to watch. But now that it’s been taken from us. It’s in your hands to decide your honor the sentencing of my daughter’s killer. We humbly ask for the maximum penalty,” said Carl Campos.
Campos was shot and killed in 2019 after witnessing an armed robbery. She and her boyfriend were driving around Bianchetti Park playing Pokémon Go before gunshots tore through their car. One bullet hit her in the back of the neck causing her to lose consciousness and crash.
Five years later, following a trial earlier this year, the Campos family is still feeling the loss of the young woman they called the “glue” of their family. Cayla’s family member, Meredith Campos read a statement on behalf of Cayla’s older sister.
“Today, she would have been 26 years old, and I can’t help but think about all the unanswered questions regarding which milestones she would have reached by now,” said Espy Campos, sister of the victim.
Garcia, who is already serving life in prison for the 2019 murder of 17-year-old Sean Markey at a house party, was hoping to serve the two sentences simultaneously. This would mean the 23-year-old would be eligible for parole in his early fifties.
But instead, Judge Joseph Montano sentenced Garcia to another life sentence to be served after his life sentence in the Markey murder.
“It is because of these violent acts against innocent children, they are truly children judge, these violent acts that he remains in custody for the rest of his life,” said John Duran, the prosecutor on the case.
Garcia spoke in the hearing extending condolences to the family but told the court that he did not commit this crime.
In addition to the life sentence, Garcia was sentenced to 13 years for seven additional counts, including armed robbery and shooting at a motor vehicle.
Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
