Santa Maria Man Accused Of Killing Mom Arraigned

Gabriel Espinoza was arraigned in court Friday morning in Santa Ana for the killing of his mother, Emma Posadas-Espinoza.

Espinoza spoke exclusively with KEYT/KCOY reporter Cory James four days after his mother’s body was found in La Habra by a man walking his dog at 4:30 a.m.

Friday he was officially charged with one felony count of special circumstance murder, which means he could likely face the death penalty or life in prison without the possibility of parole.

The alleged killer told Central Coast News back in July that he forgave his mother’s killer and wanted them to know that they took away someone he said was his best friend.

Posadas-Espinoza was found partially unclothed and died from asphyxiation. Officials believe she was killed several days before her body was dumped and covered by leaves behind a carport in La Habra.

Espinoza is being held in the Orange County jail without bail. He is expected to appear back in court on Feb. 6.