Who was David Jewell? Edgewater Police Officer shot, killed at Florida Circle K
Off-duty police officer killed in 'targeted assassination'
The Volusia Sheriff's Office (VSO) says an off-duty Edgewater police officer was ambushed, shot and killed by the clerk inside a Circle K gas station Monday afternoon in Ormond-by-the-Sea. The suspect, Eduardo Felipe Labrada Machado, has been arrested. Volusia Sheriff Mike Chitwood hosted a press conference on Tuesday morning to give mor updates.
ORMOND-BY-THE-SEA, Fla. - Edgewater Police Officer David Jewell was remembered as someone who dedicated years of his life to public service and as someone who anyone could rely on.
Officer Jewell, who was off duty, was shot and killed on Sept. 15, 2025, while waiting to pay for a hot dog inside a Circle K gas station in Ormond-by-the-Sea, Florida, in what officials have described as a "targeted assassination." Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwoof said the alleged suspect fired 24 shots at Jewell in less than 2 minutes in a seemingly unprovoked ambush.
David Jewell: Years of public service
Edgewater Police Officer David Jewell killed: The latest
Edgewater Police Officer David Jewell was shot and killed while waiting to pay for a hot dog at a Circle K in Ormond-by-the-Sea. The suspect, a Circle K employee, allegedly fired 24 shots into Jewell in less than 2 minutes. He told deputies he had a back day. He bought the gun 10 days earlier, and picked it up the same day as the deadly shooting. Officer Jewell spent years in public service, previously working for Volusia Sheriff's Office and Lake Helen.
Officer David Jewell joined the Edgewater Police Department in June 2023. Photos of his swearing-in ceremony were posted on the Edgewater Police Department's Facebook page at the time.
"David was a guy that you could rely on for anything. You'd never hear a bad thing about him," Acting Edgewater Police Chief Charles Geiger told reporters during a news conference on Monday night.
Before joining Edgewater, Jewell worked for the Volusia Sheriff's Office in the communications unit. In 2020, he received the "Telecomunicator of the Quarter" distinction, according to VSO's Facebook page.
"Jewell was honored for his calm professionalism during a crash involving two critically injured young patients on May 19, 2020. TC Jewell was praised for his work on a fire dispatch channel for his outstanding job on this call. In addition, he continues to represent the Communications Center in a positive and professional manner."
He also worked for the Lake Helen Police Department, which is part of Volusia County.
David Jewell: Slain Edgewater Police Officer remembered
Family, friends, colleagues, and community officials stopped by a memorial outside the Edgewater Police Department for Edgewater Police Officer David Jewell, who was shot and killed in a "targeted assassination" at a Circle K in Ormond-by-the-Sea. Jewell was remembered as someone anyone could rely on. He leaves behind a wife and 17-year-old son.
Law enforcement agencies across Florida issued statements on social media, sending their condolences to Officer Jewell's family, colleagues, and friends.
How you can help
What you can do:
The Edgewater Police Department shared two links to support the family of Officer Jewell: one for a meal train and the other for a GoFundMe link.
The Uvalde Foundation For Kids canceled its previously announced fundraising efforts after learning the city was starting an official GoFundMe on behalf of Officer Jewell's family.
Edgewater Police Officer David Jewell donations
The Edgewater Police Department has created a GoFundMe page where people can donate money to benefit the family of Officer David Jewell. The Edgewater Police Office was shot and killed by a clerk inside a Circle K in what has been described as an unprovoked "targeted assassination."
What we know about the shooting and the suspect
Eduardo Machado, who worked at the Circle K, is accused of shooting and killing Officer Jewell. He fired 24 shots at the off-duty officer in less than two minutes, all of which was captured on the store's surveillance camera.
Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood described it as a "targeted assassination" and "evil."
Machado admitted to detectives that he shot Officer Jewell multiple times and that he did it because he was having a bad day, Sheriff Chitwood said. Machado alleged that he and Jewell had an argument, but was unable to provide any details on where, when, or what the argument was about, Sheriff Chitwood said during a press conference.
Shooting timeline
Officials also released an additional timeline of the events leading up to the shooting.
Sept. 5
Eduardo Felipe Labrada Machado purchases a glock model 20 10 mm handgun from Bucks Gun Rack. He then has to wait the mandatory 3-day waiting period.
Sept. 15:
Around 2 p.m., Eduardo Machado visits Bucks Gun Rack to pick up the gun he bought.
Around 4:08., Eduardo Machado is working at Circle K and sees Officer David Jewell walk into the store. He goes out to his car, grabs a jacket, returns to the store and almost immediately begins shooting.
Around 8 p.m., Volusia County Sheriff and Acting Edgewater Police Chief Charles Geiger hold a news conference.
Around 11:30 p.m, law enforcement escort the body of Officer Jewell to the Medical Examiner's Office.
Sept. 16
Eduardo Machado's mug shot is released. He's booked under suspicion of first-degree murder. He makes his first appearance in front of a judge and is denied bond.
Volusia County Sheriff provides an update on the investigation. Sheriff Chitwood said Machado allegedly fired 24 shots in less than 2 minutes. Machado's family members told deputies that he had been recently diagnosed with a mental health disorder and reported hearing voices. He is a legal U.S. resident and has lived here for 10 years on a green card, officials said.
Officer Jewell's patrol vehicle is parked outside the Edgewater Police Department as a memorial spot for people to gather.
The Source: The information in the article is from the Volusia Sheriff's Office, Edgwater Police Department, Volusia Sheriff Mike Chitwood, Acting Edgewater Police Chief Charles Geiger, and Edgewater Mayor Diezel Depew. VSO also released a clip from the surveillance video inside the Circle K, as well as additional photos of Officer Jewell.