Theresa Jones, a 61-year-old grandmother from Santa Ana, California, was found dead inside her vehicle in a church parking lot in Fullerton on July 11, 2026, four days after she disappeared. Jones' disappearance raised alarms on July 7 when she failed to pick up one of her grandchildren and stopped answering calls from loved ones.

Emmanuel Wesley, 23, Jones' son, has been charged with her murder. Prosecutors allege that Wesley shot his mother twice in the back while she was sitting behind the wheel of her car outside the Fullerton Police Department on the Fourth of July. He then moved her body into the passenger seat and drove away.

Jones' family described her as having an infectious personality and being fiercely devoted to her children and grandchildren. Loved ones also said she was smart, funny, and full of life.

Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer commented, "The death of any human being is a tragedy. 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."

Wesley has pleaded not guilty and remains held without bail in the Orange County Jail. If convicted, he faces up to 50 years to life in prison.

Sources