Police: Teen duo used dating apps to trap victims in armed robbery attacks in Texas

A Texas teenage couple has been charged after allegedly using online dating apps to lure male victims into meetups before violently robbing them in a series of attacks that left one teenager shot multiple times, according to police.

Alyssa Canul, 17, and her boyfriend, Joseph Anthony Aguilar Campos, 18, were arrested on separate days in late May and each charged with two counts of aggravated robbery, according to the Universal City Police Department (UCP) and Bexar County arrest records. Canul may also face an additional charge of tampering with physical evidence.

Police say both suspects are connected to two violent incidents that occurred on May 25 in Universal City, Texas.

In the first alleged attack, authorities say a victim was lured to a park meeting arranged through a dating app, where Campos allegedly confronted him and “pistol whipped” him before stealing his belongings.

In the second incident, investigators say a 15-year-old boy was contacted through a dating platform and met Canul at the same park bench. She then allegedly persuaded him to travel with her to an apartment complex where Campos was waiting in hiding. 

According to an arrest affidavit cited by KSAT, Campos emerged from bushes, prepared his firearm, and shot the teen four times as the victim attempted to flee.

Despite his injuries, the teenager managed to reach a nearby coffee shop, where bystanders called emergency services. He was hospitalized and is expected to survive.

Investigators also reportedly obtained a recorded phone call between Canul and Campos in which Canul is heard allegedly stating she had disposed of the weapon used in the robberies.

Both suspects are currently being held at the Bexar County Adult Detention Center. Court records show Canul is held on a $250,000 bond, while Campos’ bond is set at $300,000.

Police have not disclosed further details, and attorneys for both teens have not commented publicly on the charges.