A 17-year-old Texas girl allegedly used online dating sites to lure teenage boys into traps so her boyfriend could attack and rob them, authorities said. Alyssa Canul, 17, faces two counts of aggravated robbery and may also face a charge for tampering with physical evidence, according to the city government of Universal City, Texas.
Authorities said Canul allegedly partnered with her boyfriend, 17-year-old Joseph Anthony Aguilar, who was arrested earlier in the week. Both recently moved to Universal City and are accused of targeting young men through online dating platforms, then robbing and assaulting them.
Alleged Robbery Incidents
In the first alleged incident, Canul invited a teenage boy to a park bench, where Aguilar attacked him, robbed him of his money, and left him injured. In the second incident, a 15-year-old boy was lured to the same park bench. Canul then allegedly guided him to Aguilar’s apartment about half a mile away.
As they approached the apartment, Aguilar reportedly made a loud noise and revealed himself with a loaded firearm. When the victim attempted to flee, Aguilar allegedly shot him four times and robbed him. The teen managed to reach a nearby coffee shop, where witnesses called 911. He was transported to a hospital and treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
Role of Alyssa Canul
Investigators allege that Canul’s primary role in the scheme was to lure victims through online dating sites to locations where Aguilar could commit robbery and assault. Authorities reported that she was caught speaking on the phone with Aguilar, instructing him that she had disposed of the gun used in the crimes.
Canul was arrested on Friday and is currently detained in the Bexar County Adult Detention Center, while Aguilar faces two counts of aggravated robbery for his role in the incidents.
Law Enforcement Statements
Authorities emphasized the calculated nature of the alleged crimes, highlighting the coordination between Canul and Aguilar. In one case, the victim was pistol-whipped, and in the other, the 15-year-old boy survived being shot multiple times, showcasing the seriousness of the attacks. Officials continue to investigate and warn the public about online predators and coordinated crimes targeting minors.
Summary Table of Key Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Suspects | Alyssa Canul, 17; Joseph Anthony Aguilar, 17 |
| Location | Universal City, Texas |
| Crimes | Two counts of aggravated robbery; possible tampering with evidence |
| Method | Victims lured through online dating sites; attacked and robbed |
| First Victim | Teen boy pistol-whipped, robbed at park bench |
| Second Victim | 15-year-old boy lured to apartment, shot four times, survived |
| Arrests | Canul arrested Friday; Aguilar arrested earlier in the week |
| Detention | Canul held at Bexar County Adult Detention Center |
| Investigation | Ongoing; authorities investigating coordination and disposal of firearm |
Alyssa Canul and Joseph Anthony Aguilar allegedly engaged in a coordinated scheme to target young men online, leading to violent assaults and robberies. While both are minors, the severity of the alleged crimes—including shootings and assaults with a firearm—has prompted serious criminal charges. Authorities continue to investigate the case and caution the public about the dangers of online interactions with unknown individuals.
