DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE NEWS RELEASE

Today, the New Mexico Supreme Court upheld the 2024 conviction secured by the New Mexico Department of Justice (NMDOJ) against Izaiah Garcia, who was convicted in the 2019 shooting death of Cayla Campos. The court upheld all convictions, which included 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. With his appeal options exhausted, Garcia will continue serving his two consecutive life sentences. 

 “No court decision can ever erase the devastating loss Cayla Campos’ family has endured, but today’s ruling ensures that the man responsible for taking her life will continue to be held fully accountable,” said Attorney General Raúl Torrez. “This defendant has been convicted of multiple violent crimes and taken two young lives, Cayla Campos and Sean Markey, from our community. The courts agree that he deserves to remain behind bars for the two lifetimes to which he has been sentenced.” 

In 2019, Cayla Campos and her boyfriend were playing Pokémon Go at a park in Albuquerque when they witnessed Garcia attempting to rob three teenagers at gunpoint. Campos began driving away from the scene and when Garcia noticed her fleeing, he proceeded to chase after her on foot, firing multiple shots with an assault rifle and striking her as she drove away. She was pronounced dead shortly after the incident at UNMH. 

Prior to this conviction, the NMDOJ also secured a conviction against Garcia in 2021 for the 2019 murder of Sandia High School student Sean Markey during a homecoming party. A conviction he also appealed, which was upheld by the New Mexico Supreme Court in July 2025. 

Garcia was sentenced to life in prison for both murders and will continue serving his consecutive life sentences.