Neighbors Express Disbelief Over Arrest Of Marmolejo’s Son

David Huerta Marmolejo, wanted for the murder of his mother, 54-year-old Gloria Marmolejo, turned himself into police Friday following a day-long manhunt.

As David was arrested and escorted by police, he told reporters, “I have nothing to hide from”, saying that he was innocent and that he misses his mother every day.

A hiker found Gloria’s body in the desert behind Santa Teresa Elementary after she had gone missing from her East El Paso home, where she and David lived.

Gloria had been strangled, with a plastic bag wrapped around her head.

Their neighbors can’t believe he’s the suspect. Jasmine Soto lives a few houses from Marmolejo’s home and says “I just can’t wrap my mind around that”.

Soto adds she “saw him the morning she went missing”, saying “he just smiled and waved”.

David, 29,remained in public view after his mother was reported missing. He stood next to his brothers at a backyard news conference, and even helped to release doves at Gloria’s funeral.

Furthermore, David implored strangers to help find his mother.

One of those strangers, who did not want to show his face on camera, said David told him “…I’m looking for my mom. Have you seen anyone around here that looks suspicious?”

Soto says “it’s a little bit shocking to know that somebody you say hi to could be something like that”.

Gloria’s bodywas found with brown paper bags on her hands and on her left foot, but as of Saturday morning police have not said whether they put those on to preserve evidence or if she was found that way.