A 21-year-old pre-med student at the University of Florida, Emmanuel Espinoza, has been accused of fatally stabbing his mother, Elvia Espinoza, a popular elementary school teacher. Despite confessing to the crime, Espinoza professed his love for his mother, according to Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd.
Emmanuel Espinoza was reportedly traveling to his mother’s residence, located in a forested area south of Frostproof city, for a family gathering over the weekend. He had requested to stay at her home, to which she had agreed.
The relationship between Emmanuel and his mother was described as “about an eight out of 10,” according to Sheriff Judd, who was paraphrasing the suspect’s own words. Despite this, Espinoza allegedly admitted to harboring a long-standing desire to kill his mother because she “got on my nerves.”
Elvia Espinoza, 46, was a second-grade teacher at Ben Hill Griffin Elementary School and was well-regarded within her community. The shocking news of her death has left the community in mourning.
On the day of the incident, Emmanuel Espinoza reportedly arrived at his mother’s home in a white sedan. Upon her opening the door, he allegedly began stabbing her. Elvia Espinoza, who was on a call with a relative at the time, attempted to flee but was pursued and stabbed repeatedly by her son until she collapsed and died, as per Sheriff Judd’s account.
Following the incident, Emmanuel Espinoza called 911 and confessed to the crime. He has been cooperative with the authorities since his arrest and is currently facing charges of first-degree murder.