Two teenagers from Universal City, Texas, have been arrested and charged with multiple felonies after allegedly using online dating platforms to lure male victims into dangerous encounters. Alyssa Canul, 17, was taken into custody on May 27 and faces two counts of aggravated robbery, along with a possible charge of tampering with evidence. Her boyfriend, 18-year-old Joseph Anthony Aguilar Campos, was arrested a day earlier on similar robbery charges. Authorities say the arrests are connected to two separate incidents that occurred on May 25.
In the first alleged incident, police report that Canul persuaded a victim to meet her at a park bench using a dating app. Once the victim arrived, Aguilar Campos allegedly appeared and pistol-whipped the man before robbing him. Investigators say the attack was sudden and violent, leaving the victim traumatized but physically able to report the crime to authorities.
The second incident escalated further. Police allege Canul used the same park bench to lure a 15-year-old victim back to their apartment complex at Villa Mesa. Once there, Aguilar Campos reportedly ambushed the teen from nearby bushes and fired multiple shots. The teen was struck four times but managed to escape to a nearby coffee shop, where bystanders called 911. He was transported to a hospital and is expected to recover from his injuries.
According to an arrest affidavit obtained by KSAT, law enforcement collected a recorded phone call between the two suspects. In the recording, Canul allegedly confessed to disposing of the weapon used during the attacks. Investigators believe the call provides critical insight into the planning and execution of the alleged crimes, showing both teens coordinated their efforts to avoid detection.
Authorities have emphasized that both victims were specifically targeted after being contacted on social media and dating apps. Police warn that the case highlights how predators can exploit technology to identify and approach vulnerable individuals, underscoring the importance of caution when meeting strangers from online platforms.
The Universal City Police Department continues to investigate the full scope of the couple’s alleged criminal activities, including whether additional victims exist. Both Canul and Aguilar Campos remain in custody pending further legal proceedings, and prosecutors have indicated that additional charges could be filed if more evidence emerges.
This case has sent shockwaves through the local community, where many residents are grappling with the violent nature of the crimes and the alleged involvement of teenagers in premeditated attacks. Law enforcement officials have called for vigilance and encourage anyone with information to come forward to aid the ongoing investigation.
