September 17, 2025

24-Year-Old Arrested for Murder of Off-Duty Police Officer

News Summary

Eduardo Labrada Machado, a 24-year-old resident of Ormond-by-the-Sea, Florida, has been arrested for the first-degree murder of David Jewell, a 45-year-old off-duty officer. The shooting occurred at a Circle K gas station, stemming from a previous altercation. Machado reportedly fired 24 shots, killing Jewell, and was later found with the firearm. Family members revealed Machado has a mental health disorder. The Edgewater Police Department mourns Jewell’s death, highlighting the tragedy’s impact on law enforcement communities.

Ormond-by-the-Sea, Florida — Eduardo Labrada Machado, a 24-year-old resident, has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder following a shooting incident that claimed the life of David Jewell, a 45-year-old off-duty officer with the Edgewater Police Department. The incident took place on Monday at a Circle K gas station.

The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office reported that the shooting occurred when Machado confronted Jewell, whom he had encountered several times in the store previously. According to statements made by Machado, he had experienced an altercation with Jewell in the past but could not recall the details. Despite not initially recognizing Jewell as a police officer, Machado noted feeling fear upon seeing Jewell armed.

Before the shooting, Machado indicated he was having a bad day and had contemplated shooting Jewell earlier that morning. After arriving at work, he retrieved a handgun he had recently purchased and shot Jewell multiple times from close range. Surveillance footage reportedly shows Machado leaving the store, taking a jacket from his vehicle, and returning to fatally shoot Jewell in the head. Investigators indicate Machado fired approximately 24 shots, with some bullets hitting Jewell after he had already fallen to the ground.

The firearm used in the shooting was later found in a jacket in the back seat of Machado’s vehicle. Following the tragic event, Machado was arrested and booked at the Volusia County Branch Jail, where he is currently being held without bond. As the investigation continues, evidence from the crime scene is being processed.

In the aftermath of the incident, it has been revealed through interviews with Machado’s family that he suffers from a diagnosed mental health disorder, which may have influenced his actions. Family members reported he had been hearing voices; however, they were not aware of any threats he had made nor did they know of any anti-law enforcement sentiments.

Prior to this incident, Machado had no criminal history, although he did have one previous encounter with law enforcement in 2023 related to a weapons complaint. As the situation unfolds, the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office described the shooting as an “assassination,” highlighting the seriousness of the act against an officer.

Following the death of Officer Jewell, the Edgewater Police Department has expressed its profound grief. They are receiving critical incident stress support for their colleagues and the wider community in response to the tragedy. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has also extended condolences to Jewell’s family and colleagues during this challenging time.

Officer Jewell had a distinguished career in law enforcement, having previously worked as a telecommunicator for the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office before joining the Edgewater Police Department just this year. His untimely death raises important questions about mental health issues, the motivations behind such violent actions, and their broader impact on communities.

The ongoing investigation aims to uncover all details surrounding this case, focusing on understanding the sequence of events that led to this fatal confrontation and any underlying factors contributing to Machado’s mindset at the time of the crime.

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Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER

The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

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