A beloved Florida elementary school teacher was killed by her medical student son because she “got on his nerves,” police said.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said University of Florida medical student Emmanuel Espinoza, 21, was driving from Gainesville to Frostproof when he decided to kill his mother on 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, he 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 got on my nerves,'” Judd said.
Elvia Espinoza (pictured), 46, was stabbed to death by her 21-year-old son in her Florida home on Saturday.
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 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 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 stabbed her many times,” Judd said.
“She ran away from him, she was talking to a family member on the phone and, furthermore, he stabbed her until she fell and died.”
Judd said Emmanuel has cooperated with investigators and is 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.
‘She was greatly loved by her students and colleagues, and her sudden and unexpected death is a devastating loss. “She was a very special part of her school family,” the district said.
The school called the parents of all its students and will have grief counselors available in the community on Monday.
Online tributes have been pouring in for the beloved mother, teacher and community member.
Polk County Public Schools confirmed to DailyMail.com that 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.
Online tributes have been pouring in for the beloved mother, teacher and community member.
University of Florida medical student Emmanuel Espinoza (pictured) was driving from Gainesville to Frostproof when he decided to kill his mother.
‘Elvia always had a smile. She loved her family and her children. He 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 really loved teaching and she was very proud to be a grandmother. What a sad day in our small town, rest in heaven my dear friend.’
‘Elvia there are no adequate words to describe what we are feeling. “You were such a kind, sincere, loving and attentive person that knowing that you are no longer here makes the world a little darker,” said Mónica 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 the biggest cheerleader of all. I love you and miss you beyond measure.’