Inset from left to right: Alyssa Canul and Joseph Anthony Aguilar (City of Universal City). Background: The Bexar County Adult Detention Center in San Antonio, Texas (Google Maps).
In a disturbing series of events, a teenager from Texas allegedly used online dating platforms to ensnare young men, setting them up for her boyfriend to ambush and rob. This unsettling tale unfolds in Universal City, where Alyssa Canul, only 17, faces two counts of aggravated robbery. Authorities are also considering an additional charge against her for tampering with physical evidence.
The local government of Universal City has detailed the accusations against Canul, which involve working in tandem with her boyfriend, Joseph Anthony Aguilar, also 17. Aguilar was apprehended earlier in the week, following the shocking revelations of their alleged crimes.
The couple, who recently relocated to Universal City, are said to have orchestrated a scheme where Canul would lure unsuspecting young men through online dating sites. Once these men were drawn in, they were then subjected to robbery and assault. Disturbingly, one victim was brutally pistol-whipped, while another, a mere 15-year-old, suffered four gunshot wounds but miraculously survived the ordeal.
According to reports from San Antonio’s ABC affiliate KSAT, Canul’s role was pivotal in the operation, as she would entice the victims to meet, setting the stage for Aguilar’s violent attacks. One such incident involved a teenage boy who was invited to meet at a park bench, only to be confronted by Aguilar, who then robbed him of his money.
This case highlights the potential dangers lurking within online dating platforms, particularly for young individuals, and serves as a chilling reminder of the need for vigilance and caution in digital interactions.
Canul allegedly invited the first victim — a teenage boy — to a park bench before Aguilar attacked him and took his money.
In the second case, a 15-year-old boy reportedly traveled to a park in the city to meet Canul on the same bench used in the first alleged robbery. According to an arrest affidavit obtained by the outlet, the girl then lured the boy to Aguilar’s apartment about a half mile away.
As they approached, Aguilar is said to have made a “loud noise” and showed himself to the teen as he loaded a gun. When the victim tried to run, Aguilar reportedly shot him four times and robbed him.
The boy managed to get to a nearby coffee shop where individuals there called 911. He was brought to a nearby hospital and treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
Investigators say they caught Canul speaking on the phone with Aguilar and telling him that she got rid of the gun used in the robberies.
Aguilar faces two aggravated robbery charges.
On Friday, Canul was arrested and detained in the Bexar County Adult Detention Center.
