An Albuquerque woman is facing charges after police say she provided alcohol to minors at a high school graduation party, where a 19-year-old later shot himself in the backyard. Crystal Aguilar, 40, was arrested Friday and booked into the Metropolitan Detention Center on a fourth-degree felony charge of selling or giving alcoholic beverages to minors.
She was released on her own recognizance shortly afterward. Although the incident occurred on May 31, charges were not filed until November 17. Court records show detectives interviewed additional witnesses in September who alleged that Aguilar knowingly supplied liquor to underage partygoers. The reason for the lengthy delay remains unclear.
Aguilar’s attorney, Aaron Mitchell, said the event was intended to be a small family celebration before the address was shared on social media, bringing in “unknown individuals.” Mitchell argued there is “no indication” Aguilar knew anyone — besides her two sons — was under 21 and noted that state law allows parents to provide alcohol to their own children at home. He added that “more information should come out” as the case moves forward.
Police were called shortly after midnight to a home on Johncock SW, near Central and 98th, for a report of a suicide. When officers arrived, they detained multiple juveniles leaving the party and found a 19-year-old dead in the backyard.
Aguilar and her husband, who officers said appeared intoxicated, told police their son was hosting a graduation party of about “10–15 people.” According to a criminal complaint, Aguilar said she walked outside after hearing a gunshot and saw the teen collapse.
No adults reported witnessing the shooting. Officers found a stolen handgun beneath the teen’s body, surrounded by empty alcohol bottles and fireworks debris. The Office of the Medical Investigator determined the injuries appeared self-inflicted, a conclusion echoed by a crime scene specialist.
Witnesses told police the teen had posted an Instagram video during the party showing himself with a gun and saying he felt “sad,” though investigators could not locate the video. They did find older clips of him using substances and holding a firearm. His brother said he had no history of depression or suicidal behavior, and the autopsy revealed he was intoxicated.
One young woman who attended the party with the teen said he seemed fine earlier in the day. She told police partygoers were warned not to bring guns inside because “the mother at the party said no guns were allowed.” She also claimed she personally saw Aguilar taking shots, stocking a table with alcohol bottles, and giving the group permission to drink.
Police were shown cellphone videos from the night, including footage of teens drinking Twisted Teas around 10 p.m. Another clip, recorded less than 30 minutes before the shooting, reportedly showed Aguilar dancing with the group and drinking from a bottle of Pink Whitney. The investigation remains ongoing.
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