Her son Miles is unsure whether the suspect's choice to kill his mother was influenced by his mental health but he wants people to receive help if necessary.
A 71-year-old postal worker was heading home, and she was only three homes away when was stabbed to death on Wednesday. Dilma Spruill, an 18-year postal service veteran, was viciously attacked at approximately 12:30 a.m., her son told ABC7. Spruill was on her way home after her USPS shift. "My mom was a tough cookie, let me tell you! She was 5'2" packed a punch, didn't take no mess - my best friend," her son, Miles said.
The USPS said it was "deeply saddened" at the loss of Spruill, per PEOPLE, noting she "beamed with energy, joy and brought light to all who had the pleasure to know and work alongside her."
Miles will remember his mother Dilma in a variety of ways, including her selflessness. A resolute yet upbeat 71-year-old Brazilian immigrant who adored her only son. "She thought about me first... she thought about me first and making sure I got to work on time," he said.
According to KTVU, a 28-year-old, Wilbert Winchester, has been arrested and charged in connection with Spruill's murder by Oakland police. Miles shares that while he can forgive, he cannot forget his mother, and that the moment has come to demonstrate compassion. "I don't know what he went through, what he's going through, but we need to love him and embrace him with open arms, regardless. That's still another brother it's still another sister, another individual that needs help," he said.
While Miles is unsure whether the suspect's choice to kill his mother was influenced by his mental health, he resolves to advocate for greater resources so that others can receive help if necessary. "Mental health in the African American community is not being thought of," he said.
As neighbors and friends stop by her house to share condolences with Miles, they embrace Dilma's son and pay their respects to this once-vibrant neighborhood fixture. According to one woman who lived next door for several years, everyone knew Dilma and she was equivalent to a neighborhood mother. "Everything is missing. I'm numb, I'm sick to my stomach, I don't sleep," says Miles, thinking about the loss.
He feels like he needs to keep his strength for his disabled stepfather as well as the rest of his family, but he knows how to honor his mom. "Live her legacy and spirit. That's what she would want me to do. Mom I love you, I got this. I'm going to make you proud."
The suspect allegedly has a prior conviction for elder abuse, for which he served three years in prison. Winchester was also charged with attempted murder for allegedly stabbing another lady just two days before Spruill's death. Winchester was denied bail and will have a plea hearing on February 3.
References:
https://people.com/crime/71-year-old-calif-postal-worker-stabbed-death-walking-home/
https://www.ktvu.com/news/family-mourns-postal-worker-stabbed-to-death-in-oakland
Cover Image Source: Facebook | Miles D. Spruill
