Daniel Crespo Death: Bell Gardens Mayor Fatally Shot in California Home
A Los Angeles suburban mayor was shot several times in his home following a domestic dispute with his wife. The L.A. Sheriff's Department said Daniel Crespo was killed Tuesday afternoon after his wife, Levette, shot him.
The L.A. Times reported that the 45-year-old mayor was shot around 2:30 p.m. in his condominium during an argument with Levette, 43, and his 19-year-old son, also Daniel. Nicole Nishida, a sheriff's department spokeswoman, said an altercation began in the master bedroom between Crespo and his wife. At one point, Crespo's son intervened and while the son and father were fighting, Crespo's wife found a gun and shot him, Nishida said.
Bell Gardens Fire Department officials said Crespo died while being transported to a nearby hospital.
Sheriff's officials said Levette Crespo was taken with police for questioning but released without an arrest being made. The district attorney's office will review all evidence and determine if charges are to be filed.
Crespo's son was also taken to a hospital for injuries to his face he suffered during the struggle. Sheriff's officials also questioned the teenager.
"It's a horrible day," said Ana Maria, a condo neighbor to the Crespos. "He was such a nice man and was so important to the city."
Eric Noriega, 39, said he was taking a nap in his living room when he heard several loud pop sounds after 2 p.m.
"We didn't really know what to make of it," Noriega said. "We were about to leave the building later when we saw that police had cordoned off the area."
State lawmakers are also shocked by the news of Crespo's passing.
State Sen. Ricardo Lara and state Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia, who both represent Bell Gardens, released a joint statement Tuesday evening, saying the death of Crespo "is shocking and a tremendous loss for our close-knit community. Mayor Crespo was a respected public servant who dedicated his life to protecting and helping others in southeast Los Angeles and throughout the region."
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