In a chilling reminder that tragedy can strike anywhere, a New Mexico man faces life imprisonment for the murder of 21-year-old Kayla Compo, who was fatally shot while playing Pokemon Go. The case highlights the devastating consequences of gun violence and the importance of community safety.
A Night of Leisure Turns Deadly
On a seemingly ordinary October night in 2019, Kayla Compo was enjoying a game of Pokemon Go near her Albuquerque apartment. A pastime shared with her boyfriend, the game took a tragic turn when Compo and her boyfriend witnessed an armed robbery in progress.
As three teenagers were held at gunpoint, Compo sensed danger and attempted to leave the scene. However, 23-year-old Isaiah Andreas Garcia, misidentifying Compo’s vehicle, fired a fatal shot, striking her in the head. Compo’s car veered out of control, crashing into a nearby residence. She was later pronounced dead.
Kayla Compo, a 21-year-old Pokemon Go enthusiast, tragically lost her life in a case of mistaken identity.
A History of Violence
The tragedy of Compo’s death is compounded by the fact that Garcia was already a suspect in another murder. Just weeks prior, 17-year-old Sean Markey was fatally shot while waiting for a ride home from a homecoming party. Investigators believe Garcia mistook Markey for a rival gang member.
“It’s always troubling to hear that an individual had committed one homicide and, while they’re still out, commits a second one,” shared legal analyst Julie Rendelman. “I don’t know if you can ever make the victims’ families whole.”
Justice Delayed, But Not Denied
Following a lengthy legal process, Garcia was convicted in February 2024 for Compo’s murder. The charges, which included first-degree murder, armed robbery, and depraved mind murder, reflect the gravity of his crimes.
“The depraved mind murder charge is used when an individual’s behavior is so reckless and disregards the life of another human being that it amounts to murder,” explains Rendelman. “This charge was likely added due to the egregious nature of Compo’s death.”
Although Garcia was convicted in Markey’s murder in 2021 and sentenced to life imprisonment, the sentencing for Compo’s case will be served consecutively. This decision provides a sense of closure and justice for Compo’s loved ones, ensuring that Garcia is held accountable for each life he has taken.
Seeking Justice Behind Bars
While awaiting sentencing for Compo’s murder, Garcia’s violent tendencies continued to surface. Surveillance footage captured a chilling attack on a fellow inmate at the Metropolitan Detention Center. Believing the inmate responsible for his half-brother’s death, Garcia launched a brutal attack with a makeshift shiv fashioned from a broken mop handle.
The incident resulted in additional attempted murder charges for Garcia, further demonstrating his disregard for human life.
Staying Vigilant
The tragic death of Kayla Compo serves as a stark reminder that danger can lurk in the most unexpected places. While Rendelman acknowledges the need for caution, she encourages individuals to continue enjoying their lives.
“We always have to be on high alert when we’re out late at night,” Rendelman advises. “However, this incident should not deter people from engaging in everyday activities.”
A Life Remembered
As the community grapples with the loss of Kayla Compo, her memory serves as a beacon of light. Her tragic death underscores the need for continued efforts to combat gun violence and create safer communities for everyone.