After Funeral, Journey For Espinosa Family Far from Over

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DALLAS (CBS11) - A Dallas mother at the center of a missing persons search that extended for months was laid to rest Monday.

But, in the midst of the music and prayers, there was also a not-so-subtle message at the funeral mass for Marisol Espinosa: This is not over.

"It's all about getting justice for Marisol," said former coworker Raquel Collier. "And we want her face out there. We want the world to see her face and to know that she was a beautiful person inside and out… and we want justice for her."

Collier was one of dozens of mourners whose funeral attire was intended to send that message. They wore t-shirts with Espinosa's picture on them—and that call for 'Justice' emblazoned in bright pink letters. "No, this is not over, no. We want justice."

Espinosa's loss was, for many, difficult to process. She disappeared in December after supposedly leaving her East Dallas home for work. Her SUV was found abandoned at an apartment complex nearby a few days later. Her purse and belongings were still inside. Then after months of searching, animal activists last week discovered her body in a creek bed of the Trinity River in Southeast Dallas.

"This is probably the hardest thing I've had to do," said Cousin Wendy Lopez as she faced a packed St. Edward Catholic Church. Lopez was relentless in organizing searches to try and locate Espinosa. Monday, she told mourners that they must now re-direct that devotion to the three children who will grow up without their mother.

"We have a long road ahead of us with these kids and I hope to see ya'll at every function. Because this is what Mari would want," said Lopez. "She was the glue to our family. She brought all of us together."

Gathering quietly outside after the service, family, friends, co-workers and even Espinosa's former clients from the Toni & Guy salon were seen embracing and wiping away tears. At times, though, the grief just simply spilled over…  the sound of sobs a sudden reminder that strength, at such times, is often temporary.

"Very sweet… hard working, very friendly," recalled another coworker, "always made you feel included… just a sweet spirit. I know that God has a plan and I'm certain that there'll be justice. You can't do wrong and expect to walk away from it and not eventually pay for that."

Co-worker Aryana Khanzadeh said of her friend's killer, "I hope whoever it is, is looking over his shoulder every day since."

Collier had this to say to Espinosa's as yet unnamed killer: "You took this woman away from her family, from her children… possibly, your children as well, just stop hiding and come forth. Be a man."

Espinosa's former boyfriend and the father of her two youngest children told police that he kissed Espinosa goodbye before she left for work the day she disappeared. He then vanished several days later.

Dallas Police have declined to name a suspect in the case and told CBS11 there aren't any new updates in the investigation.

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