Search For Missing Dallas Mom Over, Remains Positively Identified
Follow CBSDFW.COM: Facebook | Twitter
DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) — Devastating news for a Dallas family after the body of their loved one, found under a bridge, is positively identified. Officials at the Dallas County Medical Examiner say remains found this past weekend, in the Trinity River Bottoms, belong to Marisol Espinosa.
Espinosa's family is relieved to now know where she is, but say there is still no explanation for why she disappeared or who is responsible for her death.
According to the family, it was dental records that helped investigators identify Espinosa. Though the Medial Examiner has not determined Espinosa's exact cause of death, police are calling the case a homicide.
After more than two months without answers, Espinosa's cousin, Wendy Lopez, says the identification brings some peace to the family – even though it does not bring back the much-loved mother.
Speaking about Espinosa's distraught daughter, Lopez said, "Corrina holds it all in… rarely sheds a tear. The fact that she's doing it now is pretty tough."
As the case moves from missing person, to murder investigation, Espinosa's family now, more than ever, wants the killer found. "[We want to] make sure whoever did it pays," Lopez said, as her thoughts turned to the three children her cousin leaves behind. "For me, it's never going to be over. We have babies to take care of."
Espinosa was last seen leaving for work one morning in December. Her estranged ex-boyfriend, Faustino Valdez, was the last person to report seeing her, but he has since disappeared, raising the family's anger and suspicion.
Police have not named Valdez, or anyone else a suspect in the case.
The family has set up a fund to help with funeral expenses. Donations can be sent, using PayPal, to the account - gorgeous3.rm@gmail.com.
(©2016 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
