ORMOND-BY-THE-SEA, FL – A convenience store clerk was arrested this week after authorities say he fatally shot an off-duty police officer in what investigators described as an unprovoked attack.
Eduardo Machado, 24, was taken into custody on Monday and faces a first-degree murder charge in the death of Edgewater police officer David Jewell, 45. Jewell was killed inside the Circle K gas station on Ocean Shore Boulevard just after 4 p.m., about 65 miles northeast of Orlando.
According to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, surveillance footage captured Machado leaving the store immediately after Jewell entered. Machado then walked to his car, retrieved a jacket, and returned to the store. Moments later, he allegedly approached Jewell from behind, firing several shots at close range and killing him on the spot.
Jewell, who was accompanied by his father-in-law and had stopped by the store for a hot dog, was waiting to pay when the attack occurred. Investigators say after Jewell collapsed, Machado’s weapon appeared to malfunction. The footage reportedly shows Machado clearing the jam and shooting the fallen officer multiple additional times.
The disturbing nature of the incident was emphasized by law enforcement officials, who said the violence seen on the store’s security video was unlike anything they had encountered during decades of police work.
Investigators initially speculated that Machado and Jewell were familiar with one another. Machado later admitted to authorities that he had encountered Jewell several times before and claimed they had a disagreement in the past. However, Machado could not provide any specific details about the alleged prior argument and did not indicate that he knew Jewell was a police officer.
During interviews with detectives, Machado reportedly confessed to the shooting, attributing his actions to having a “bad day.” He told investigators he had considered shooting Jewell earlier that same day and used a recently purchased handgun in the attack. Machado said he did not speak to Jewell before opening fire.
Authorities said Machado had no criminal history prior to the shooting. Family members told deputies that he had been diagnosed in the past with a mental health condition and sometimes experienced auditory hallucinations, but they were unaware of any violent tendencies or anti-police sentiments.
Machado’s only previous interaction with local law enforcement reportedly occurred in 2023, following a complaint about him discharging firearms at Tomoka State Park. There were no indications of criminal behavior at that time.
Jewell died at the scene before emergency responders could arrive. The case remains under active investigation as authorities continue to search for details surrounding the motive and events leading up to the shooting. Machado is currently being held on the murder charge without bond.
