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Family describes Polk County teacher as loving mother after officials say she was killed by her son

"She was always full of life. She was always encouraging. She was our biggest supporter," Marisol Longo, Elvia Espinosa's daughter said

FROSTPROOF, Fla. — Investigators said 21-year-old pre-med student Emmanuel Espinoza, confessed to stabbing his mother, Elvia, more than 70 times.

It happened Saturday afternoon in Frostproof.

The sheriff's office released the 9-1-1 call Emmanuel made confessing to the stabbing and doorbell video showing the knife he allegedly used.

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said how Emmanuel Espinoza "viciously murdered" his mother.

“I want you to understand that she was very proud of his accomplishments in going to the University of Florida and graduating number one in his high school class. And then, I want you to understand that he viciously murdered and confessed to it,” Sheriff Judd said.

Emmanuel told investigators they spoke every other day and he loved his mother, but sometimes she irritated him. She missed him and asked him to come visit. He agreed and drove to her home from Gainesville to stab and kill her — something he says he wanted to do for years, according to deputies.

“He made the statement that he knew where to stab her for maximum effect from his biology classes,” Judd said.

Investigators said it's still unclear why Emmanuel did this, and family members said the same. They said Elvia was the most loving mother who didn’t deserve this. 

“She was always full of life. She was always encouraging. She was our biggest supporter,” Marisol Longo said.

Marisol Longo is the oldest of Elvia’s three children.

“I think the biggest lesson is to trust God. She taught me how to be a great mother and sister,” Longo said.

Espinoza was a teacher to many others as well. She spent many years in Polk County schools. Students and teachers wore bright colors on Monday to honor her vibrant spirit.

“We thank the community so much for coming together and just showing her how much she was loved,” Longo said.

She said their support is really helping their family during this difficult time.

“She loved all of her children. I know looking down and smiling and all the support we have,” Longo said.

The family did not want to comment on Emmanuel. They said he was the valedictorian at his high school and he didn’t get there on his own; he was able to accomplish that due to support from his family, including his mother.

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