Crystal Markum, 59, died Sunday after she was stabbed at an apartment complex in southeast Albuquerque, leaving her family and friends facing a sudden loss that began with an attack just two days earlier.
Markum was stabbed around 2:15 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21, at the French Quarter Apartments at 1101 Palomas St. SE, according to police. She suffered a stab wound to her shoulder and was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

The case took a tragic turn Sunday when Albuquerque police detectives were notified that Markum had died from her injuries. What had started as a stabbing investigation was then being treated as a fatal case.
Police arrested Geraldine Begay, 52, shortly after the stabbing. She was initially booked on a charge of aggravated battery, but authorities said the charge was expected to be upgraded Monday to an open count of murder following Markum’s death.
The timing of the case made the investigation especially serious. Markum survived the initial attack long enough to be taken to the hospital, but her injuries proved fatal two days later.
The French Quarter Apartments, where the stabbing happened, became the focus of the police investigation as detectives worked to piece together what led to the confrontation and what happened during the attack.
Authorities have not released a detailed account of what led to the stabbing. Police also have not publicly provided a full account of the relationship between Markum and Begay or explained what may have happened immediately before the attack.
For Markum’s family and those who knew her, the case is now about more than an arrest. They are dealing with the loss of a 59-year-old woman whose life ended after an incident that unfolded in a matter of minutes at an Albuquerque apartment complex.
Begay’s case is expected to move forward as prosecutors consider the murder charge. The investigation remains active, and additional details could emerge as detectives continue reviewing the circumstances surrounding Markum’s death.





