Albuquerque, New Mexico – Authorities say a late-night graduation gathering at a family home ended in tragedy after a teenager fatally shot himself in the backyard, leading to criminal charges against the homeowner who allegedly provided alcohol to minors.
Police say 40-year-old Crystal Aguilar allowed her adult sons to host a party at her home on May 31, and that the gathering quickly escalated after it was shared on social media, drawing in numerous underage guests. According to a criminal complaint, officers allege that Aguilar supplied alcohol that several teens consumed throughout the night, including a 19-year-old guest who later died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
What Police Say Happened at the Party
Court documents obtained by local reporting indicate Aguilar initially agreed to let her sons invite 10 to 15 guests, but attendance grew significantly when the event surfaced online. Witnesses told investigators that Aguilar placed out “a variety of alcoholic beverages” accessible to teenagers.
Police say several underage attendees drank that night, including one who arrived with a firearm. Officers were called to the home after reports of a gunshot in the backyard, where they found the teen critically wounded. Medical personnel confirmed he died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The gun recovered at the scene was later confirmed to be stolen, police said.
Witness Statements and Social Media Evidence
One woman who attended the party with the 19-year-old told investigators she had urged him not to bring a gun because “the mother said no guns were allowed.” She also said the teen “appeared fine” earlier in the day and did not show signs of distress.
She provided officers with cellphone videos taken at the event, which police say showed Aguilar doing shots and encouraging guests that they were allowed to drink from whatever alcohol had been put out. Other guests reported seeing an Instagram video posted by the teen that night in which he said he was “sad,” though investigators were unable to locate that clip.
Police did, however, find other videos online showing the teen using substances and displaying a gun.
Aguilar’s Account of the Night
Aguilar allegedly told officers she stepped outside to “hype” the guests when she suddenly heard a gunshot and saw the teen collapse. Police say both Aguilar and her husband appeared intoxicated when questioned at the scene.
During the investigation, the teen’s brother told officers that the victim “was not suicidal nor had depression,” adding to the uncertainty surrounding what led up to the fatal moment. Toxicology findings at the scene indicated the teen was intoxicated at the time of his death.
Legal Response and Defense Position
The Albuquerque Journal reports that Aguilar’s attorney argued she was overwhelmed when “unknown individuals” began showing up after the event spread on social media. He noted that in New Mexico, parents are legally permitted to give alcohol to their own children in the home — but the charge stems from minors outside the household consuming alcohol at her residence.
Aguilar was arrested and booked into the Metropolitan Detention Center on one count of serving alcohol to minors. She was later released on her own recognizance and is scheduled to appear in court on December 30.
Community Awareness and Safety Concerns
Authorities and safety advocates often warn that parties involving mixed-age groups, social-media sharing, and unsecured firearms create significantly higher risks. Underage drinking remains a major contributor to accidental injuries, impaired judgment, and firearm-related incidents among teens.
Police have not filed additional charges related to the gun involved in this case but continue to review evidence surrounding the teen’s online posts and the stolen firearm.
Conclusion
A celebration that began as a family-hosted gathering turned into a fatal incident now under criminal scrutiny. As investigators work through witness accounts and social media evidence, Aguilar faces legal consequences for allegedly providing alcohol to minors during a night that ended in tragedy.
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