Crystal Theobald’s Mom Belinda Lane Took the Law Into Her Own Hands

When Theobald’s car was gunned down in Arlanza, Calif., she died from a bullet to the head. Lane witnessed the crime and had the identity of the car, but there was no other evidence to explain what had happened and why Lane’s daughter had seemingly been targeted by her assailants.

Afterward, it was believed to be gang-related violence in retaliation for a shooting earlier in the day. However, it was never proven that Theobald nor anyone close to her had any ties to gangs. Her car was also not confirmed to be present in an area where this gang might have spotted it in conjunction with a prior shooting.

Lane was actually in her own car at the scene and witnessed the murder take place while she was unable to do anything to stop it. She explains in the Netflix documentary that her daughter died in her arms. Because of the unexpected and senseless violence, Theobald’s mother made it her goal to find out who killed her daughter. 

Why Did You Kill Me? goes in-depth about the murder itself as well as Lane’s role in bringing down the men she believed were responsible for the crime. She enlisted a family member to pose as her daughter online and bait the gang members who were involved in Theobald’s death and, in turn, confirm that they had been driving the car the night of the murder.

In January 2020, William Sotelo, the last remaining member of the gang, was sentenced to 22 years in prison for his role in Theobald’s murder as the driver of the car. In a 2016 interview with ABC 7 News, Lane said she made a promise to her daughter as she died in her arms that she would find the killers. 

“I told her, ‘Baby girl, I promise you if it takes my last breath, I will get them. I promise you, you will have justice,'” Lane told the outlet.

Riverside, Calif. Police Lt. Christian Dinco told The Washington Post that Lane’s role in aiding in the case turned out to be essential.

“She was very instrumental, working on social media to help us identify where he might be,” he said. “She provided important information that helped lead us to the capture of Sotelo … Without her help, he would likely still be outstanding right now.”

Although Lane had spent more than a decade mourning her daughter, she was able to do what she had set out to and bring the responsible parties to justice.