Universal City, Texas — Two Texas teenagers are facing multiple felony charges after authorities say they used online dating apps to lure unsuspecting victims into violent robberies that left one man beaten and another teenager shot multiple times.
Police allege the suspects carefully arranged meetings through dating platforms before ambushing victims and stealing from them.
Teen Couple Arrested Following Investigation
According to the Universal City Police Department, 17-year-old Alyssa Canul was arrested on May 27 and charged with two counts of aggravated robbery.
Authorities say she could also face an additional charge related to tampering with physical evidence.
Her boyfriend, 18-year-old Joseph Anthony Aguilar Campos, was arrested one day earlier on May 26 and is also charged with two counts of aggravated robbery.
Investigators believe the couple worked together in connection with two separate violent incidents that occurred on May 25.
First Victim Allegedly Attacked at Park
According to an arrest affidavit, one of the robberies began after Canul allegedly connected with a victim through a dating app.
Police say she persuaded the victim to meet her at a park bench. Once the victim arrived, investigators allege Aguilar Campos suddenly appeared and launched the attack.
According to authorities, Aguilar Campos allegedly “pistol whipped” the victim before robbing him. The victim survived the assault, and investigators later connected the attack to the suspects during their investigation.
Second Victim Shot Four Times
Police say a second victim encountered Canul under similar circumstances.
According to investigators, the victim met Canul at the same bench before she allegedly convinced him to accompany her to the Villa Mesa Apartments, where she and Aguilar Campos reportedly lived.
Authorities allege the situation quickly escalated after they arrived at the apartment complex. According to the affidavit, Aguilar Campos allegedly emerged from nearby bushes and began loading a firearm.
The victim attempted to flee but was shot multiple times.
“In the first case, the victim was pistol whipped. In the second, a 15-year-old boy was shot four times but survived,” police explained.
Despite suffering multiple gunshot wounds, the teenager managed to escape and reach a nearby coffee shop.
Bystanders immediately called 911, and emergency responders transported him to a hospital. Authorities say he is expected to recover.
Investigators Uncover Additional Evidence
During the investigation, police reportedly obtained a recorded phone conversation involving the two suspects. According to the arrest affidavit, Canul was allegedly heard discussing the disposal of the weapon used in the robberies.
Investigators believe the conversation may support additional criminal charges as the case moves forward through the court system.
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The allegations also raised concerns about criminals potentially exploiting dating apps to target unsuspecting users.
Both Suspects Remain Behind Bars
Canul and Aguilar Campos are currently being held at the Bexar County Adult Detention Center in San Antonio.
Jail records show Canul is being held on a combined bond of $250,000, while Aguilar Campos remains jailed on a combined bond of $300,000.
Authorities have not indicated whether additional victims may exist, and the investigation remains ongoing.
The case serves as a reminder for users of online dating platforms to exercise caution when meeting individuals they have only communicated with online.
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