A California grandmother’s disappearance after failing to pick up her grandchild led to a grim discovery days later, with her body found in a church parking lot and her son charged with murder.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
Emmanuel Wesley, 23, of Santa Ana, is charged with murder in the death of his 61-year-old mother, Theresa Jones. Prosecutors allege he shot her twice in the back while she sat behind the wheel of her vehicle outside the Fullerton Police Department on July 4 before moving her body into the passenger seat and driving away.
Jones' disappearance first raised alarms on July 7 when she failed to pick up one of her grandchildren and stopped answering repeated calls from loved ones. Four days later, on July 11, officers found her body inside her vehicle, abandoned in the parking lot of a church in Fullerton.
Deeper Dive & Context
Surveillance Footage Captures Alleged Killing
Investigators say surveillance cameras captured the moments surrounding the killing. Video allegedly shows Jones pulling up outside the Fullerton Police Department around 2:46 p.m. on July 4 with Wesley riding in the back seat. Authorities say Jones suddenly slumped over in the driver's seat before Wesley climbed out of the back seat, pushed her body into the passenger seat, got behind the wheel, and drove away.
Family Remembers Devoted Grandmother
Jones' family remembered the 61-year-old as a devoted mother and grandmother known for her infectious personality. Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer called the killing "another level of depravity," stating, "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."
Legal Proceedings and Investigation
Prosecutors allege Wesley shot Jones twice in the back before moving her body and driving away. The case is ongoing, with Wesley facing murder charges. Investigators continue to review surveillance footage and other evidence to build their case.