Two adolescents from Texas have been apprehended and charged with aggravated robbery following a series of violent incidents that allegedly involved the use of dating applications to entice victims. The accused, 17-year-old Alyssa Canul and 18-year-old Joseph Anthony Aguilar Campos, stand accused of robbing victims in separate attacks, one of which left a 15-year-old boy with serious injuries.
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Reports from the Universal City Police Department reveal that Canul was taken into custody on May 27 and faces two counts of aggravated robbery, with further charges pending concerning allegations of tampering with physical evidence. Her boyfriend, Aguilar Campos, was arrested a day earlier on similar charges linked to the same incidents.
The distressing events unfolded on May 25, where police reported two assaults involving the couple. The first victim suffered a brutal attack, reportedly being pistol-whipped by Aguilar Campos, while in the second incident, the 15-year-old was shot four times but has fortunately survived the ordeal.
According to an affidavit from the arrest obtained by local news outlet KSAT, Canul is alleged to have used a dating app to persuade one victim to meet her in a park. Following this rendezvous, Aguilar Campos reportedly emerged, brandishing a firearm and assaulting the victim.
In a separate encounter, it has been claimed that Canul lured the young boy to the Villa Mesa apartments, where she and her partner reside. Upon arrival, Aguilar Campos allegedly emerged from hiding, indicating he was preparing his weapon. The minor attempted to flee, but was shot multiple times during the altercation, as detailed in the affidavit.
After sustaining the injuries, the teenager managed to reach a nearby coffee shop, where bystanders promptly contacted emergency services. He was subsequently taken to a hospital, where he is expected to recover from his wounds.
As the investigation continues, police have highlighted concerns about the method employed by the couple to target their victims through dating platforms, raising questions about the safety of such applications. In a further revelation, authorities intercepted a recorded phone conversation between Canul and Aguilar Campos, wherein Canul allegedly admits to disposing of the weapon utilised in the robberies.
Both individuals are currently being held at the Bexar County Adult Detention Center located in San Antonio. As per jail records, Canul’s bail has been set at $250,000, while Aguilar Campos faces a higher bail of $300,000. Their legal representatives have yet to provide comments on the ongoing situation.
The community is both shocked and concerned by these violent events, which have raised serious issues regarding the safety of young individuals in the digital age. The police have urged anyone who may have further information about these incidents to come forward as they continue their inquiries.
This series of robberies and the severe implications of these actions highlight the potential dangers associated with meeting individuals through online platforms, especially for young people. The case has gathered significant media attention, underlining the urgent need for vigilance and awareness when using social media and dating sites.