VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – A suspect charged with shooting and killing Edgewater Police Officer David Jewell at close range inside a Circle K in Ormond-by-the-Sea fired almost 25 bullets within two minutes, according to Volusia Sheriff Mike Chitwood.
“To witness the malevolence and cunning in what he did to Officer Jewell, it’s beyond words. To stop, reload, and then immediately resume firing more shots. Once again, we’re talking about 24 shots fired from perhaps 1 to 2 feet away,” said Sheriff Chitwood regarding the suspect’s alleged behavior.
Sheriff Chitwood provided additional information regarding the shooting inquiry at a press event on Tuesday morning. He was accompanied by Interim Edgewater City Manager Joseph Mahone, who previously held the position of Chief of Police for the Edgewater Police Department, along with Edgewater Mayor Diezel Depew.
The individual believed to be the shooter, named Eduardo Machado, was taken into custody and charged with first-degree premeditated murder. A judge decided he would remain in jail without bond.
“He was genuinely an outstanding police officer and an even more admirable individual,” stated City Manager Mahone, who administered the oath of office to Officer Jewell in 2023 when he served as the police chief.
He didn’t deserve to die in such a disgraceful manner,” he stated. “We should strip him of his officer title; he’s a human being, a father, a husband, and a son. We must remember that, beyond the uniform, these police officers are individuals.
Shooting timeline
By the numbers
Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood provided new information regarding the shooting investigation, including further details on the timeline leading up to the incident.
Sept. 5
Eduardo Felipe Labrada Machado acquired a Glock model 20 10 mm firearm from Bucks Gun Rack. Afterward, he was required to observe the standard 3-day waiting period.
Sept. 15
Approximately 2:00 PM, Eduardo Machado goes to Bucks Gun Rack to retrieve the firearm he purchased.
Approximately 4:08, Eduardo Machado is employed at Circle K when Officer David Jewell enters the store. He exits to his vehicle, retrieves a jacket, and returns to the store before starting to fire.
Approximately 8 p.m., Volusia County Sheriff and Acting Edgewater Police Chief Charles Geiger will conduct a press briefing.
Approximately 11:30 p.m., police accompany the body of Officer Jewell to the Medical Examiner’s Office.
Sept. 16
The photograph of Eduardo Machado is made public. He has been charged with suspicion of first-degree murder. He appears before a judge for the first time and his request for bail is rejected.
Sheriff Mike Chitwood, the city manager of Edgewater, and the mayor of Edgewater hold a press conference to address the most recent developments in the investigation.
Possible reason: A difficult day?
Sheriff Mike Chitwood informed reporters that the suspect allegedly confessed to shooting Officer Jewell and acknowledged understanding the distinction between correct and incorrect actions. Additionally, it was reportedly stated to detectives that the shooting occurred because he was having a “bad day,” according to Sheriff Chitwood.
He also claimed that the two had a disagreement, but could not offer any information regarding when the argument took place or the subject of the dispute.
He mentioned that the suspect had been employed at Circle K for approximately three years, although not continuously at the same store. It was not immediately obvious how long he had been working at the specific location where the shooting took place. Nevertheless, the suspect acknowledged knowing Officer Jewell, as he often visited that particular store.
Remembering Officer David Jewell
Officer David Jewell from Edgewater was honored as an individual who spent many years contributing to public service and was someone people could always count on.
Officer David Jewell became part of the Edgewater Police Department in June 2023. Images from his swearing-in event were shared on the Edgewater Police Department’s Facebook page during that period.
“David was someone you could always count on for anything. You’d never hear anything negative about him,” said Acting Edgewater Police Chief Charles Geiger to reporters during a news conference on Monday evening.
Prior to working at Edgewater, Jewell was employed by the Volusia Sheriff’s Office in the communications department. In 2020, he was recognized with the “Telecomunicator of the Quarter” award, as mentioned on VSO’s Facebook page.
Jewell received recognition for his composed professionalism during a crash that involved two seriously injured young patients on May 19, 2020. TC Jewell was commended for his performance on a fire dispatch channel due to his exceptional work during this call. Furthermore, he consistently maintains a positive and professional image for the Communications Center.
He was also employed by the Lake Helen Police Department, which falls under Volusia County.
He departs, leaving a wife and a 17-year-old son.
How you can help
The Edgewater Police Department provided two links to assist the family of Officer Jewell: one for a meal train and another for a GoFundMe page.
- Click this link for more information about the meal train
- Click this link for more information about the GoFundMe
The Uvalde Foundation For Kids withdrew its planned fundraising initiatives upon discovering that the city had initiated an official GoFundMe campaign for Officer Jewell’s family.
