Levette Crespo: Bell Gardens Mayor Daniel Crespo’s Wife

The community of Bell Gardens –known for its high concentration of Hispanics –is in shock after a beloved and important figure was killed yesterday! A domestic dispute took the life of Daniel Crespo, mayor of Bell Gardens.

Crespo 46, was shot and killed Tuesday, allegedly during a domestic dispute. According to the Los Angeles Times and NBCLA, police have taken Crespo’s wife, Levette Crespo into custody.

The couple resides on the 6300 block of East Gage Avenue where the shooting took place. According to reports Levette shot her husband after an argument involving their 19-year-old son escalated; the mayor was arguing with his wife when his son intervened. Crespo allegedly punched his son in the face. His wife then retrieved a gun and allegedly shot her husband.

The husband, father of two and mayor, was still alive when paramedics arrived but he died from the gunshot wounds at a nearby hospital.

Levette and Daniel Crespo tied the knot 28-years-ago. They were high school sweethearts marrying in 1986. They lived in Bell Gardens for years moving in a year after getting married.

Levette is the mother of the marriage two children. A daughter 27, and a son born in 1994.

Mrs. Crespo’s name is spelled Lyvette, she was born Lyvette C Collazo in  1971. Like her husband she is believed to be a Brooklyn native and has lived in Bell, CA; Bell Gardens, CA and Brooklyn, NY.

Lyvette –believe to be a stay at home mom –was first detained by police in connection with the investigation, after she was questioned by police she was released.

According to the city website, Lyvette’s husband graduated with an Associate of Science degree in Psychology/Family Counseling from East Los Angeles College and two years later he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice/Public Administration from Cal State University, Los Angeles. He is a candidate for his Master’s in Public Administration. After graduation he became a Deputy Probation Officer for Los Angeles County. He was first elected to the City Council in 2001.

Other publications reported, family members say the couple had recently been fighting about money, and assured they loved each other a lot. Lyvette’s brother-in-law, William Crespo said his brother always loved his wife and was dedicated to the community.

The facts of the case will be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office who will determine if criminal charges will be filed.’ According to a Sheriff’s homicide detective.