A California grandmother’s disappearance ended in tragedy with the discovery of her body in a church parking lot and her son charged with murder. Emmanuel Wesley, 23, from Santa Ana, faces murder charges in the death of his mother, Theresa Jones, 61.
Prosecutors allege Wesley shot his mother twice in the back as she sat in her car in front of the Fullerton Police Department on July 4. After the shooting, he allegedly moved her body to the passenger seat and drove away.
Jones’ family raised alarms on July 7 when she failed to retrieve her grandchild and didn’t respond to calls. Theresa Jones was known for her engaging personality and strong dedication to her family.
Her vehicle, with her body inside, was found on July 11 in a church parking lot in Fullerton. Surveillance footage allegedly captured the moments leading up to the incident. The video shows Jones arriving at the police department with Wesley in the back seat. She suddenly slumps over, after which Wesley allegedly moves her to the passenger side and drives away.
Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer stated, “The death of any human being is a tragedy. For someone to kill their own mother is another level of depravity. We will do everything we can to pursue justice for Ms. Jones and everyone who loved her.”
Jones’ family, describing her as a devoted Christian, shared fond memories of her on a GoFundMe page set up for funeral expenses. They remembered her as a loving mother and grandmother who often put her family’s needs first.
Wesley, who has pleaded not guilty, is detained without bail in the Orange County Jail. If convicted, he faces a potential sentence of up to 50 years to life in prison.