A beloved Florida elementary school teacher was murdered by her pre-med student son because ‘she got on his nerves,’ police said.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said University of Florida pre-med student Emmanuel Espinoza, 21, was driving from Gainesville to Frostproof when he decided to kill his mother Saturday.
Emmanuel was traveling to attend a family event and had asked his mother, 46-year-old Elvia Espinoza, if he could stay at her house for the weekend.
He got to the second-grade teacher’s house around 2 p.m., and when she opened the door, he began stabbing her.
‘We talked to him and he confessed, he said “you know I have wanted to kill my mother for many many years because she got on my nerves,”‘ said Judd.
Elvia Espinoza (pictured), 46, was stabbed to death by her 21-year-old son at her Florida home on Saturday, police said
Emmanuel Espinoza (pictured), 21, called 911 and confessed to killing his mother immediately after he stabbed her to death
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said Emmanuel (second from the left) admitted to wanting to kill his mother (second from right) for years because ‘she got on his nerves’
‘As soon as he murdered her, he dialed 911 and immediately confessed to the 911 operators.’
The sheriff said they asked Emmanuel about his relationship with his mother and he said that he really loved her but she irritated him, so he decided to kill her.
‘He knocked on the front door and when mom opened the door, he began to stab her and he stabbed her many times,’ Judd said.
‘She ran from him, she was talking to a family member on the phone, and in addition to that, he stabbed her until she fell down and died.’
Judd said Emmanuel has been cooperating with investigators and is charged with first-degree murder.
Polk County Public Schools confirmed to DailyMail.com Elvia was a second-grade teacher at Frostproof Ben Hill Griffin Jr. Elementary.
‘Her students and colleagues greatly loved her, and her sudden, unexpected death is a devastating loss. She was a very special part of her school family,’ said the district.
The school made calls to the parents of all of her students and will have grief counselors available of the community Monday.
Tributes have been pouring in online for the beloved mother, teacher and community member.
Polk County Public Schools confirmed to DailyMail.com Elvia was a second grade teacher at Frostproof Ben Hill Griffin Jr. Elementary
The sheriff said they asked Emmanuel about his relationship with his mother and he said that he really loved her but she irritated him, so he decided to kill her
Tributes have been pouring in online for the beloved mother, teacher and community member
University of Florida pre-med student Emmanuel Espinoza (pictured) was driving from Gainesville to Frostproof when he decided to kill his mother
‘Elvia always had a smile. Loved her family and her children. Was proud to be a teacher and worked hard to be one. She was one of my best students, a co-worker, and a fellow teacher, ‘ said Nancy Murray DeMarco.
‘Elvia Espinoza was the sweetest person to me and my family she was always cheerful and kind,’ said Sherry Dacres.
‘So many memories of chatting outside at the end of a long day. She truly loved teaching and was so proud of being a grandma. What a sad day in our little town, rest in heaven my dear friend.’
‘Elvia there aren’t adequate words to describe what we’re feeling. You were such a kind, sincere, loving and caring person that, to know you’re gone makes the world a little more dim,’ said Monica Alvarado.
‘I always admired how you poured your heart into everything and everyone around you. We are all devastated beyond belief. Thank you Elvia for loving us and being everyone’s biggest cheerleader. I love you and you are missed beyond measure.’