A Texas teenager is accused of using online dating sites to lure young men into violent traps where her boyfriend allegedly attacked and robbed them, authorities say.
Alyssa Canul, 17, is facing two counts of aggravated robbery in Universal City, Texas. Authorities said she could also face an additional charge of tampering with physical evidence.
Officials said Canul is suspected of working with her boyfriend, 17-year-old Joseph Anthony Aguilar, who was arrested earlier in the week.
According to Universal City authorities, the pair had recently moved to the area before allegedly using online dating sites to target young men.
Investigators said Canul’s alleged role was to lure the victims to specific locations. Once the victims arrived, authorities say Aguilar attacked and robbed them.
In one case, a victim was allegedly pistol-whipped. In another, a 15-year-old boy was shot four times but survived.
According to KSAT, Canul allegedly invited the first victim, a teenage boy, to a park bench. When he arrived, Aguilar allegedly attacked him and took his money.
In the second case, another 15-year-old boy reportedly went to the same park to meet Canul at the same bench used in the first alleged robbery.
According to an arrest affidavit obtained by KSAT, Canul then allegedly led the boy toward Aguilar’s apartment, which was about a half mile away.
As they approached the apartment, Aguilar allegedly made a loud noise and revealed himself to the teen while loading a gun.
When the boy tried to run, Aguilar allegedly shot him four times and robbed him.
The injured teen managed to make his way to a nearby coffee shop, where people called 911. He was taken to a hospital and treated for injuries that were not considered life-threatening.
Investigators said they later caught Canul speaking on the phone with Aguilar and allegedly telling him she had gotten rid of the gun used in the robberies.
Aguilar is also facing two aggravated robbery charges.
Canul was arrested Friday and booked into the Bexar County Adult Detention Center.
