A University of Florida pre-med student is in custody after admitting to stabbing his mother to death, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. Emmanuel Espinoza, 21, drove to his mother’s house and carried out the brutal attack, confessing to authorities that he had wanted to kill her for years.
Sheriff Grady Judd described the horrific incident, stating that Espinoza stabbed his mother multiple times until she fell and died. The young man reportedly told deputies that he loved his mother but she irritated him, leading him to make the decision to murder her on the day of the family event.
Despite the shocking nature of the crime, Espinoza called 911 and confessed to the murder, ultimately cooperating with authorities. The victim, Elvia Espinoza, was a beloved second grade teacher in the community, leaving many in shock and mourning.
Emmanuel Espinoza has been charged with first degree murder and is currently in custody at the Polk County Jail. The community is reeling from the tragedy, with Sheriff Judd calling it a “truly horrible event.”