Southern California

Wife, Children of Slain Bell Gardens Mayor Will “Cooperate Fully” With Investigation: Lawyers

The wife and son of a Southern California mayor who was gunned down during a domestic dispute earlier this week will "cooperate fully" with the law enforcement investigation, the wife's lawyers said Thursday.

Lyvette Crespo allegedly shot and killed her husband, Bell Gardens Mayor Daniel Crespo, 45, after he punched the couple’s 19-year-old son, Daniel Jr., in the face on Tuesday.

Crespo's attorney Eber Bayona said his client was willing to provide investigators with evidence he felt would reveal she was a victim of domestic abuse.

"Looks at times may be deceiving," Bayona said. "There may be an opportunity to learn about the difficult and intolerable home life of this family."

Authorities said Daniel Jr. was trying to intervene in a fight between his parents when he was punched by his father. Investigators said Lyvette Crespo grabbed a gun and allegedly shot him several times in the upper body.

Daniel Crespo was taken to St. Francis Medical Center in Lynwood where he was pronounced dead.

Both Lyvette and Daniel Crespo Jr. were questioned at the Bell Gardens police station, but were released several hours later. Neither Lyvette Crespo or her son were arrested in connection with the fatal shooting.

Claudia Osuna, the attorney for children Daniel Jr. and Crystal, said the brother and sister had a difficult life at their Bell Gardens home.

“Right now the children stand behind their mother, they are grieving the loss of their father and they will cooperate -- specifically Daniel will cooperate, with law enforcement,” Osuna said.

The attorneys would not take questions from the media that weren't submitted before the news conference.

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