Frederick man accused of trying to kill his grandma sentenced to probation

A Frederick man who was arrested in January on suspicion of trying to smother his 90-year-old grandmother with a pillow took a plea deal and was sentenced to four years of probation.

Alejandro Garcia, 49, pleaded guilty July 1 in Weld District Court to third-degree assault to an at-risk individual – knowing and recklessly causing injury. All other charges were dismissed, including attempted first-degree murder – after deliberation.

Garcia was sentenced to four years of probation.

Alejandro Luis Garcia (Weld County District Attorney’s Office)

According to an affidavit, at 3:50 p.m. Jan. 1, Frederick police were called to the 200 block of Seventh Street to investigate a disturbance. When police arrived at the scene and attempted to make contact with Garcia’s grandmother, officers said that Garcia refused to leave the residence so that police could investigate the incident.

According to the affidavit, officers determined that Garcia was under the influence of alcohol and arrested him for violating a protection order that stated he was not allowed to drink.

While on the scene, officers attempted to interview Garcia’s grandmother, who is in a wheelchair and has difficulty speaking due to a medical condition, according to the affidavit. Garcia’s grandmother told police that she was sleeping when she awoke to Garcia holding a pillow over her face. She told officers that while Garcia was attempting to smother her, he said to her, “You’re 90 years old, you’ve lived a long life, you’re already dead.”

The grandmother was checked out by Frederick-Firestone paramedics but was not transported to the hospital.

Garcia’s mother was also present during the interview. According to the affidavit, she told police that Garcia has been kind and empathetic with his grandmother in the past. However, Garcia’s mother said that when he drinks “the demon part” comes out in him.