STOCKTON–

Steven Russel and his wife went by his mother’s home early Tuesday to check on her, but what they found was devastating.

Russel’s mother, 76-year-old Rachael Russel, was found dead in a bag inside a wheelbarrow in her backyard.

“We found her in the backyard. To find your mother like that, I am still numb. I just don’t believe it,” said Russel.

Police arrested 39-year-old Jerome Deavila for Russel’s murder.

Family members tell us that Deavila is Russel’s grandson.

Russel said his mother had a strong faith in God and was an active member at her church.

“She was a Sunday School teacher, mother of the church. She was everything to me. She was my mother. I am the youngest,” said Russel.

Russel last spoke to his mother on Friday and thinks she may have died on Saturday.

Deavila is also a registered sex offender, according to the Megan’s Law website.