Watch CBS News

Coroner Confirms ID Of Murder Victim Found In Freezer

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — Authorities have identified a woman whose butchered body was found in a freezer in Maywood. Coroner's officials say 42-year-old Miralda Espinoza died of asphyxia and neck compression.

Espinoza's 19-year-old son, Moises Meraz-Espinoza, told police at the Huntington Park station that he killed his mother, sheriff's deputies said.

It was unclear when the killing occurred, but the body apparently had been stored in the freezer for about a week.

Landlord Epifanio Hernandez said detectives seized the refrigerator and freezer as evidence, and that he saw blood on the floor and in the shower.

Meraz-Espinoza was booked on suspicion of murder and is being held without bail, sheriff's deputies said.

Neighbors said the two shared the apartment where the body was found, but the woman had not been seen for about a week.

(©2010 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.