N.M. Woman Handed Son a Gun, Then He Shot Homeless Woman — and Now Both Are Convicted

New Mexico Woman Convicted for Handing Gun to Son, Resulting in Shooting of Homeless Woman

In a shocking and tragic incident, a New Mexico woman has been convicted of murder after handing her son a gun and allegedly instructing him to shoot in the direction of a homeless woman. The jury in Bernalillo County found Kristina Withrow guilty of second-degree murder with a firearm enhancement, aggravated assault with a firearm enhancement, and tampering with evidence on April 24. This conviction stems from the death of 36-year-old Monique Garcia, who was fatally shot by Withrow’s son Kristian Crespin.

Crespin, who confessed to the crime, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced to 18 years in prison by a jury in September. The tragic incident took place on April 3, 2023, when Withrow encountered Garcia near her apartment. Withrow reportedly asked Garcia to leave the walkway due to her being homeless, leading to an argument between the two women. In a disturbing turn of events, Withrow then handed her handgun to her then-18-year-old son, Crespin, who proceeded to fire three shots at Garcia, with one shot proving to be fatal.

Following the shooting, Garcia was rushed to a local hospital but tragically succumbed to her injuries later that day. Withrow initially attempted to claim responsibility for the shooting, but eyewitnesses at the scene quickly informed the police that it was the male, Crespin, who had fired the gun and fled. Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman stated that Withrow later admitted to ordering her son to shoot Garcia.

During the trial, the jury had the option to convict Withrow of first-degree murder, but ultimately chose to charge her with second-degree murder. After deliberating for over three hours, the jury reached a verdict. Withrow’s sentencing is scheduled to take place at a later date that has yet to be determined, with no comment provided by her lawyer on the matter.

This harrowing case highlights the devastating impact of gun violence and the tragic consequences that can result from such reckless actions. The conviction of Kristina Withrow serves as a grim reminder of the need for responsible firearm ownership and the importance of preventing access to guns in situations where they can be misused with deadly consequences. As the legal proceedings continue, the community mourns the loss of Monique Garcia and hopes for justice to be served in her memory.

The details of this case are a stark reminder of the complex issues surrounding gun violence and the devastating effects it can have on individuals and communities alike. It is crucial for authorities to continue to investigate and prosecute such cases to ensure accountability and prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. The impact of this senseless act of violence will be felt for years to come, highlighting the urgent need for efforts to address the root causes of gun violence and ensure the safety and well-being of all members of society.

As the legal process unfolds, the consequences of Withrow’s actions will continue to reverberate throughout the community, prompting reflection on how such tragedies can be prevented in the future. The case serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of addressing issues such as access to firearms and mental health support, to prevent further instances of gun violence and protect the most vulnerable members of society.