Suspect’s competency will be evaluated

Former pueblo resident charged with killing man in motel room

SANTA FE — The defendant accused of killing a man on New Year’s Day and leaving his decomposing body in a bathtub at a Santa Fe motel will be evaluated to see if he’s competent to stand trial.

Alvin Crespin, 45, formerly of Santo Domingo Pueblo, is charged with firstdegree murder and three counts of tampering with evidence in the killing of Virgil Tortalita, 50, also of Santo Domingo Pueblo.

Public defender Kelly Golightley said in a motion that Crespin isn’t able to fully understand his charges, process or retain information and “rationally or effectively” communicate with his attorney. The motion was unopposed.

First Judicial District Judge Glenn Ellington approved the motion Friday, ordering the evaluation to be completed within the next 30 days.

Golightley said she’s continuing to investigate the case, but she believes Crespin is overcharged and a mistake occurred.

Crespin is accused of getting into a fight with Tortalita in a hotel room at the Green Tree Inn on Cerrillos Road, according to court documents. Crespin was checked in to the motel by the New Mexico Coalition to End Homelessness.

After killing Tortalita, Crespin wrapped his body in a bedsheet and left him in a hotel bathtub, according to court documents. Santa Fe police discovered the body after people who had been in the motel room said they noticed an unpleasant odor coming from the bathroom.

Police found Tortalita’s body with lacerations and puncture wounds to the hip, abdomen and chest, according to court documents.