Family of former Bell Gardens mayor killed by wife upset over possible plea deal

BELL GARDENS, Calif. (KABC) -- The family of a former Bell Gardens mayor who was shot and killed by his wife is upset over the possibility of a plea deal.

The fatal shooting of Daniel Crespo by Lyvette Crespo divided the community when it happened two years ago. She admitted she shot her husband during a heated argument.

This week, the brother of Daniel Crespo was notified by the District Attorney that discussions were underway for a plea deal. Though Lyvette Crespo was indicted for voluntary manslaughter in the Sept. 2014 homicide, the proposal is for probation only and not a day in prison.

"In this case, you go to trial, you know? That's wrong. You get more for killing a dog" said William Crespo, the victim's brother.

Supporters of the former mayor were speaking out on Facebook, pledging to lobby the DA to withdraw the proposal, or for Judge Kennedy to reject it as she reviews the case on Monday.

The defense for Lyvette Crespo said she reacted in a heated moment in defense of her son, and that she was a battered wife who kept quiet while her husband carried on multiple affairs.

Critics said that's no excuse. William Crespo's attorney, James Devitt, said the emotionally-charged wife had other options besides pulling a gun.

"Lyvette had time to walk into the bedroom, get the 9mm gun, load it, take the safety off and fire three shots down a stairwell and into my client's chest," Devitt said.

"She killed him for all the things, you know, over jealousy. She didn't want to leave him. She didn't want him to get the best of leaving him," added William Crespo.

Yet there is testimony that the former mayor battered his mistresses as well as Lyvette Crespo. A lengthy and expensive trial could end with acquittal, and a plea bargain would eliminate that.

William Crespo said he's waited two years and that only a trial would deliver justice for his brother.

"I can't lay him to rest at peace until this case is over," he said.