A California grandmother went missing after not picking up her grandchild, leading to a troubling search that concluded with her body found in a car. This discovery resulted in murder charges against her son, Emmanuel Wesley, 23, of Santa Ana.
Grim Discovery
Authorities charged Wesley with murder for the death of his 61-year-old mother, Theresa Jones. According to prosecutors, they allege Wesley shot his mother twice in the back while she was in her vehicle outside the Fullerton Police Department on July 4. He then moved her body to the passenger seat and drove away.
Alarming Disappearance
Concern arose on July 7 when Jones missed picking up her grandchild and stopped responding to calls from family members. Her family, known for their close ties, became alarmed by this sudden absence.
Theresa Jones’ family described her as having an infectious personality and a strong dedication to her children and grandchildren. (GoFundMe)
Discovery of the Body
On July 11, police discovered Jones’ body inside her car, left in a church parking lot in Fullerton. Prosecutors state she had suffered two gunshot wounds in the back. Surveillance footage allegedly caught the events surrounding her killing.
Captured on Camera
Footage purportedly shows Jones arriving at the police department at 2:46 p.m. on July 4. Wesley sat in the back seat. The video suggests Jones suddenly slumped over, after which Wesley exited the back seat, shifted her body, and drove away.
“The loss of any person is tragic,” Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer stated. “Killing one’s mother signifies deep depravity. We aim to deliver justice for Ms. Jones and her loved ones.”
Theresa Jones is shown holding a baby in a family photo shared after her passing. (GoFundMe)
A Life Remembered
The family labels Jones as a devout Christian whose faith influenced her life. “Her family came first, often prioritizing their needs above her own,” they shared in a GoFundMe for her funeral expenses. “To know Theresa was to love her.”
Remembered for her humor and energy, Jones earned the nickname “Cardi B” for her lively character. The family’s painful search ended with the tragic revelation of her remains.
“We want to commemorate the meaningful life Theresa led and the love she provided,” the family expressed. “Her unexpected absence leaves a deep void for all who knew her.”
Wesley has pled not guilty and remains detained without bail in Orange County Jail. If found guilty of murder and firearm use, he faces a sentence of up to 50 years to life.