New Mexico Mother Accused of Letting Teens Drink at Graduation Party Where 19-Year-Old Fatally Shot Himself, Police Say
ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO — A 40-year-old New Mexico mother is facing criminal charges after police say she allowed underage drinking at a graduation party held at her home — a gathering where a 19-year-old guest fatally shot himself in the backyard.
The suspect, identified as Crystal Aguilar, was booked into the Metropolitan Detention Center on a charge of providing alcohol to minors. Court records show she was released on her own recognizance and is scheduled to return to court on December 30.
Party Grew Out of Control After Teens Saw Social Media Post
According to court documents obtained by the Albuquerque Journal, Aguilar let her adult sons host a party on May 31 with around 10 to 15 invited guests. But once the event appeared on social media, the crowd quickly ballooned, drawing several unknown teenagers.
Police say witnesses reported that Aguilar placed out multiple alcoholic beverages, which were consumed freely by teenagers — including one who arrived with a gun.
The criminal complaint states:
“Aguilar put out a variety of alcoholic drinks that were consumed by several teenage guests.”
Teen Fatally Shot Himself in the Backyard, Police Say
First responders were called to the home after reports that a 19-year-old male had shot himself in the backyard. Emergency personnel determined he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Aguilar and her husband were both reportedly intoxicated when officers questioned them.
Aguilar told police she had just stepped outside to “hype” up the young guests when she suddenly heard the gunshot and saw the teen fall.
Another young woman who attended the party with the victim told police he “appeared fine” earlier that day. She said she warned him not to bring a gun because Aguilar had specifically said “no guns were allowed.”
Police noted that the firearm found under the teen’s body had been reported stolen.
Cellphone Videos Show Aguilar Doing Shots With Teens
Witnesses told investigators that Aguilar was drinking shots with partygoers and openly encouraging teenagers to help themselves to the alcohol.
The witness stated:
“She was letting people know they were okay to drink whatever was on the table.”
She also provided cellphone videos to police showing Aguilar and the teen drinking together.
The victim’s brother told officers that the teen was not suicidal and had no history of depression. However, other guests had reportedly seen an Instagram video posted that night where the teen said he was “sad.”
Investigators also found additional social media videos showing the teen using substances and brandishing a firearm in the past.
Aguilar’s Attorney Says She Didn’t Expect So Many Strangers
Aguilar’s attorney told the Albuquerque Journal that his client had not expected “unknown individuals” to flood the home. He also emphasized that serving alcohol to one’s own children at home is not illegal in New Mexico — but serving other minors is.
Aguilar was charged with one count of providing alcohol to minors and released until her court hearing later this month.
What’s your reaction to this tragic New Mexico case? Should parents face tougher penalties for underage drinking incidents that end in injury or death? Share your thoughts and follow more breaking updates at WaldronNews.com.