Fort Lauderdale, FL – A Florida man has been convicted of second-degree murder in the 2019 death of his girlfriend, who was fatally impaled by a spear during what prosecutors say was a violent confrontation inside their shared home.
Jury Reaches Verdict in Under Two Hours
On Monday, a jury found Adam Crespo, 49, guilty of killing 32-year-old Silvia Galva after deliberating for just under two hours, according to NBC Miami. Prosecutors argued Crespo intentionally caused the fatal injury, while the defense claimed it was a tragic accident.
Fatal Night and Initial Claims
Police responded to the couple’s home on July 12, 2019, and discovered Galva on the bedroom floor with a chest wound. The weapon — a 12-inch spear blade that had been part of a decorative bedpost — had pierced through her torso, even cutting through the bedsheets. Despite emergency efforts, Galva was pronounced dead at the scene. Crespo told police he had been arguing with Galva, pulled her by the ankles off the bed, and believed she may have grabbed the spear to stop herself from falling. He said he heard a “snap” and turned to find the blade embedded in her chest.
Conflicting Testimony from Experts
During trial, the defense presented a retired medical examiner who suggested the cause of death should remain “undetermined.” However, the prosecution’s medical expert testified the angle and force of the wound proved it was a homicide, dismissing any notion of an accidental impalement. Prosecutor Jaclyn Broudy told jurors there was “no possible scenario” in which this could have been an accident, citing Crespo’s ill will and the force required to drive the spear through Galva’s body.
Defense Maintains It Was an Accident
Defense attorney Christopher O’Toole argued that there was “no physical evidence” proving Crespo intentionally used the spear as a weapon. He maintained the lack of such evidence supported their claim of an accident.
Sentencing Set for October
The jury sided with prosecutors, finding Crespo guilty of second-degree murder. He is scheduled to be sentenced on October 31 and faces a potential lengthy prison term.
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