It’s a tragic story out of Albuquerque, New Mexico, that has shocked many people. A woman has been found guilty after telling her son to shoot a homeless woman during an argument. Let’s take a closer look at what happened.
What Happened in Albuquerque?
In April 2023, Kristina Withrow got into a heated argument with Monique Garcia, a homeless woman, near Withrow’s apartment in Southeast Albuquerque. The fight started because Withrow wanted Garcia to leave the walkway outside her building.
The argument quickly escalated. Instead of walking away, Withrow grabbed a gun and handed it to her 18-year-old son, Kristian Crespin. She then told him to shoot Garcia. Following his mother’s orders, Crespin fired three shots, killing Garcia on the spot.
How the Investigation Unfolded
At first, Kristina Withrow tried to take the blame. She told police that she was the one who fired the gun. But after further questioning, she admitted the truth — she had ordered her son to pull the trigger.
Authorities also found that Withrow tried to hide or tamper with evidence after the shooting. This added more serious charges to her case.
What Happened to the Son?
In 2024, Kristian Crespin accepted responsibility for his role. He pled guilty and was sentenced to almost twenty years in prison. His guilty plea and cooperation likely helped bring more facts to light during his mother’s trial.
Kristina Withrow’s Conviction
- Today, a jury found Kristina Withrow guilty of several crimes, including:
- Second-degree murder with a firearm enhancement
- Aggravated assault with a firearm enhancement
- Tampering with evidence
- Her sentencing will happen at a later date, but she is now facing a long time behind bars for her actions.
This heartbreaking case reminds us how quickly anger can turn into tragedy. A simple argument ended with the loss of a life, a mother facing serious prison time, and a young man throwing away his future. It highlights how dangerous it is to let emotions get out of control and the terrible outcomes that can follow. We can only hope that this story serves as a warning to others about the importance of thinking before acting.
