Former University of New Mexico football player Rayshawn Boyce has been convicted of robbing a U.S. postal carrier and faces up to 10 years in prison. Along with the robbery charge, Boyce was found guilty of stealing a key from the U.S. Postal Service and being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm. Boyce’s sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.
The incident occurred in January 2022 in the International District when Boyce and a co-defendant pulled a mail carrier out of his truck at gunpoint and demanded his keys. A neighbor who witnessed the altercation intervened, prompting Boyce to flee the scene. Authorities later executed a search warrant at Boyce’s apartment and seized two semi-automatic guns and a revolver, leading to his arrest. Boyce pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.
In 2017, Boyce played in eight games as a linebacker for the Lobos after transferring to New Mexico from a California junior college. However, in 2018 he was suspended from the team after being accused of assaulting his ex-girlfriend. Boyce pleaded guilty to the assault charges and was sentenced to five years of probation. His lawyer did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the recent conviction and sentencing.
The robbery of the postal carrier highlights Boyce’s criminal history, which includes the assault charges from 2018. Despite his past offenses, Boyce continued to play football at the university until his suspension. The incident in January 2022, in which Boyce pulled a mail carrier out of his truck at gunpoint, demonstrates a pattern of violent behavior that led to his conviction and potential prison sentence.
The consequences of Boyce’s actions not only impact his own future but also reflect poorly on the University of New Mexico’s football program. The school has faced scrutiny for allowing Boyce to continue playing despite his previous legal issues. Boyce’s conviction serves as a stark reminder of the importance of addressing concerning behavior in student-athletes and taking appropriate action to prevent future incidents.
The sentencing of Boyce will be an important moment in determining the consequences of his actions and the impact on his future. Facing up to 10 years in prison, Boyce must now reckon with the consequences of his violent robbery of a U.S. postal carrier. The case serves as a cautionary tale for student-athletes and university programs about the importance of addressing criminal behavior and ensuring that individuals are held accountable for their actions.
