KINGMAN – Two of four defendants charged in a motel invasion and robbery incident in Lake Havasu City last spring entered separate plea agreements at the Mohave County Law and Justice Center in Kingman Wednesday.
Elizabeth Janca, 32, Lake Havasu, Kingman residents Caleb Crandall, 28, and Zachary Holmes, 25, and transient Beau Newbiggin, 29, were arrested following the May 23, 2024 incident at the Studio 6 Suites, 1330 McCulloch Boulevard.
Attorneys have said during various court hearings that Janca spent the night with the 40-year-old victim identified as “C.M.” Former prosecutor Jeff Haws said that Janca let three men into the motel room who pointed firearms and a simulated weapon at C.M., taking his wallet, other personal items and keys, before fleeing in his vehicle.
Defense attorney Anita Dale told Judge Billy Sipe that Janca did call the co-defendants and left the door open for their entry. But, she told the Court that C.M. had sexually assaulted her.
Lake Havasu City police department public information officer Kyle Ridgway confirmed that Janca leveled the rape allegations during the Studio 6 Suites incident investigation. But Ridgway said police deemed the allegations unfounded.
Janca pleaded guilty to aggravated assault for the motel incident.
Janca also pleaded guilty to attempted transportation of narcotic drugs for driving two co-defendants to Phoenix to purchase and bring back to Lake Havasu about 1,000 fentanyl pills seized during a local traffic stop at Highway 95 and McCulloch Boulevard in December, 2023. She also pleaded guilty to a separate charge for failing to appear for one or more court hearings.
Judge Sipe has broad punishment discretion. He can impose as little as probation or as many as 20 years prison at a March 14 sentencing hearing.
Crandall pleaded guilty to armed robbery for his involvement at Studio 6. In unrelated cases, he pleaded guilty to prohibited possession of a firearm and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Crandall is eligible for probation but could get as many as 13 years in prison when sentenced March 18 by Superior Court Judge Lee Jantzen.
Dave Hawkins
