The city of Bell Gardens is still recovering from the shocking murder of its mayor, Daniel Crespo.
Crespo’s wife, Levette, has admitted to shooting her husband, but claimed the shooting was to protect Crespo’s 19-year-old son. According to the Los Angeles Times, “Authorities say Levette Crespo, 43, was arguing with her husband Tuesday afternoon when their 19-year-old son intervened. The mayor then punched the teen in the face, prompting his wife to grab Crespo's handgun and shoot him three times in the upper body, Los Angeles County sheriff's officials said.”
“Attorney Eber Bayona, who represents the mother and son,told the Los Angeles Times on Wednesday that he believed his client acted reasonably and was confident she would not be charged.
"Domestic violence and battered woman syndrome is at the center of this case," Bayona said, although he declined to elaborate.
The mayor's wife and son were released after questioning. Investigators said they would wait for the district attorney's office to determine whether charges were warranted.
According to his city biography, Crespo served on both the city planning commission and on the council since moving to Bell Gardens in 1994. He was married and had two young children. Crespo has served as a deputy probation officer for the last fifteen years, and worked for eight years with youth in juvenile halls, youth camps, and in residential treatment centers.