A beloved Florida elementary school teacher was murdered by her son, a pre-med student, because “she annoyed him,” police said.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said Emmanuel Espinoza, 21, a pre-med student at the University of Florida, was driving from Gainesville to Frostproof when he decided to kill his mother Saturday.
Emmanuel was traveling to attend a family event and asked his mother, Elvia Espinoza, 46, if he could stay at her house for the weekend.
He arrived at the second grade teacher’s house around 2 p.m. and when she opened the door, she began stabbing her.
“We talked to him and he confessed, he said ‘you know, I’ve wanted to kill my mother for many years because she pissed me off,'” Judd said.
Elvia Espinoza (photo), 46, was stabbed to death Saturday by her 21-year-old son at her home in Florida, police said.
Emmanuel Espinoza (pictured), 21, called 911 and confessed to killing his mother immediately after stabbing her to death.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said Emmanuel (second from left) admitted to wanting to kill his mother (second from right) for years because “she pissed him off.”
“As soon as he murdered her, he called 911 and immediately confessed to the 911 operators.”
The sheriff said they asked Emmanuel about his relationship with his mother and he said 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 started stabbing her and he stabbed her multiple times,” Judd said.
“She ran away from him, she was talking on the phone to a family member and on top of that he stabbed her until she fell and died.”
Judd said Emmanuel cooperated with investigators and was charged with first-degree murder.
Polk County Public Schools confirmed to DailyMail.com that Elvia was a second-grade teacher at Frostproof Ben Hill Griffin Jr. Elementary School.
“His students and colleagues loved him dearly, and his sudden and unexpected death is a devastating loss. She was a very special member of her school family,” the district said.
The school has called the parents of all its students and will have grief counselors available in the community on Monday.
Tributes are pouring in online for the beloved mother, teacher and community member.
Polk County Public Schools was confirmed to DailyMail.com. Elvia was a second grade teacher at Frostproof Ben Hill Griffin Jr. Elementary School.
The sheriff said they asked Emmanuel about his relationship with his mother and he said he really loved her but she irritated him, so he decided to kill her.
Tributes are pouring in online for the beloved mother, teacher and community member.
Emmanuel Espinoza (pictured), a pre-med student at the University of Florida, was driving from Gainesville to Frostproof when he decided to kill his mother
“Elvia always had a smile. I loved his family and his children. I was proud to be a teacher and worked hard to be one. She was one of my best students, a colleague 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,” Sherry Dacres said.
“So many memories of talking outside at the end of a long day. She truly loved teaching and was very proud to be a grandmother. What a sad day in our little town, rest in heaven my dear friend.
“Elvia, there are no adequate words to describe how we feel. You were such a kind, sincere, loving and caring person that knowing you are gone makes the world a little darker,” Monica Alvarado said.
“I always admired the way you put 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 miss you beyond measure.
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