Tuesday, 28 July 2026, 6:51
An Orange County man has been charged with murder after allegedly shooting and killing his mother in front of the Fullerton Police Department station on the Fourth of July, then leaving her body in her car at a church parking lot, where it was found a week later. The case has stunned local residents and law enforcement alike.
According to the Orange County District Attorney's Office, Emmanuel Wesley, 23, of Santa Ana, was charged with one felony count of murder and a felony enhancement for discharge of a firearm causing great bodily injury or death. The victim, 61-year-old Theresa Jones, suffered two gunshot wounds to her back. Video surveillance shows Jones's vehicle pulling up to the Fullerton Police Department at approximately 2:46 p.m. on July 4. After Jones slumped over, Wesley allegedly exited the back seat, pushed her body into the passenger seat, got into the driver's seat, and drove away. The vehicle was later found parked at a Fullerton church parking lot on July 11, four days after Jones was reported missing. Authorities have not specified the exact location of the church or how the vehicle with the body inside went unnoticed for seven days.
The crime occurred in Fullerton, a city in Orange County, directly in front of the Fullerton Police Department. The brazen nature of the shooting—in broad daylight at a police station—has raised concerns about public safety and the effectiveness of surveillance. The church parking lot where the body was discovered is also in Fullerton, though authorities have not disclosed its exact location.
Jones was reported missing on July 7, 2026, after she failed to pick up her grandchild and did not respond to repeated phone calls. The Fullerton Police Department launched an investigation, leading to Wesley's arrest. Wesley pleaded not guilty on Thursday, July 16, and is being held without bail at the Orange County Jail. The motive for the killing remains unknown. A community Facebook post had asked for the public's help in finding Jones. "Our community needs your help in bringing Theresa Jones home safely," OCactive wrote. "Her loved ones are extremely worried and are asking the community to help spread the word."
“The death of any human being is a tragedy,” said Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer in a statement. “For someone to kill their own mother is another level of depravity. We will do everything in our power to seek justice for Ms. Jones and for everyone who loved her.”
This tragic case highlights the devastating impact of domestic violence and the importance of community vigilance. Authorities continue to investigate, and the community awaits justice for Theresa Jones. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Fullerton Police Department.
