ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – A man who shot a woman to death after his mother told him to shoot at the victim will spend nearly two decades behind bars. In April 2023, Kristian Crespin took three shots hitting and killing Monique Garcia. Witnesses told police that Crespin’s mother, Kristina Withrow, was arguing with Garcias in southeast Albuquerque.
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Withrow told police she felt threatened and handed her gun to her son and asked him to fire warning shots toward Garcia. Crespin pled guilty to second-degree murder and tampering with evidence in May.
Garcia’s family spoke to the court before Crespin was sentenced. “My daughter is dead. I got three of her children that I got to raise again. I already have three kids. I got nine grandkids. I’m a grandfather and I’ve been married for 36 years to my wife. I love it. Then all of the sudden this tragedy happened and like I said, I don’t even know why,” said Michael Garcia.
Judge David Murphy sentenced Crespin to 18 years behind bars which is the maximum under the plea deal. Withrow is scheduled to go to trial next week. She pled not guilty to first-degree murder.