A Santa Ana man has been charged with murder after prosecutors said he fatally shot his mother in the back while sitting in her car outside the Fullerton Police Department on the Fourth of July.
According to authorities, Emmanuel Wesley, 23, then left her body inside the car parked in front of a Fullerton church, where it was discovered on July 11.
Wesley has been charged with one felony count of murder and a felony enhancement for discharge of a firearm causing great bodily injury or death, according to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office.
Prosecutors allege that 61-year-old Theresa Jones was shot twice in the back while she was seated in the driver’s seat of her vehicle.
“The death of any human being is a tragedy,” Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer said in a statement. “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.”
Jones was reported missing to the Fullerton Police Department on July 7, 2026, after she failed to pick up her grandchild and did not answer repeated calls. According to prosecutors, she had suffered two gunshot wounds to her back.
According to the district attorney’s office, video surveillance shows Jones’ vehicle arriving at the Fullerton Police Department at about 2:46 p.m. on July 4, 2026, with Jones in the driver’s seat. Prosecutors allege that Wesley exited the back seat after Jones slumped over, pushed her into the passenger seat, got behind the wheel, and drove away.
Wesley has pleaded not guilty and is being held without bail at the Orange County Jail.
If convicted on all charges, Wesley faces a maximum sentence of 50 years to life in prison.