POLK COUNTY, FL – In a deadly incident reported by Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, 21-year-old Emmanuel Espinoza, a pre-med student at the University of Florida, has been arrested for the murder of his mother in Frostproof, Polk County. The crime occurred just after 2:00 p.m. this afternoon, when Emmanuel drove to his mother’s house and fatally stabbed her.
The victim, 46-year-old Elvia Espinoza, was a beloved second-grade teacher at Ben Hill Griffin Elementary School.
Emmanuel Espinoza has confessed to the crime after calling 911 and is currently in custody. He is expected to be booked into jail this evening on charges of first-degree murder.
Graday said the Polk County Sheriff’s Office extends its prayers to Elvia’s family, friends, students, and colleagues at the school and Polk County Public Schools during this difficult time.