A man has been sentenced for a Central Florida police officer’s brutal murder.
During a recent hearing, defendant Eduardo Labrada Machado pleaded no contest to first-degree murder (firearm) and was sentenced to life imprisonment.
On September 15, 2025, Labrada Machado was working a shift at a convenience store in Volusia County called Ormond-by-the-Sea.
Shortly after off-duty Edgewater Police Officer David Jewell entered the store, video security captured Labrada Machado leaving and taking a jacket from the passenger side of his vehicle.
When the defendant returned to the business, he quickly pulled out a revolver from his jacket and opened fire on Officer Jewell at the front desk.
After Officer Jewell slumped to the ground, Labrada Machado stepped over him and shot him multiple times in the head.
Officer Jewell was shot 20 times and died on scene. The defendant was detained soon after leaving the convenience store.
Labrada Machado told detectives that he was having a “rough start” to his day and considered shooting Officer Jewell, who lived nearby and frequented the store, on his way to work.
“The stark brutality of this case shocked our entire community,” said State Attorney R.J. Larizza of the case against Labrada Machado. “The defendant’s plea ensures that he will not be released from prison. I’m hoping that avoiding a lengthy and unpleasant trial process would bring the family some comfort. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
The Volusia Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant State Attorney Andrew Urbanak successfully prosecuted the case for the State of Florida. The honourable Elizabeth Blackburn heard the case and gave a sentence.
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