Defendant Accused of Killing Edgewater Cop Sentenced to Life

The man accused of killing an Edgewater police officer has been sentenced to life in prison. 25-year-old Eduardo Labrada Machado pleaded no contest to first degree murder on Monday. He was subsequently given a life sentence by Circuit Judge Elizabeth Blackburn. Labrada Machado was working as a store clerk at the Circle K gas station on SR-A1A in Ormond-by-the-Sea when the shooting occurred on September 15, 2025. David Jewell, an off-duty officer with the Edgewater Police Department, walked into the store. Labrada Machado was then seen on surveillance video walking outside to his vehicle. When Labrada Machado returned, he allegedly brought in a jacket containing a firearm. He's then said to have taken the gun and shot Jewell 20 times at the store's front counter. Jewell unfortunately died of his injuries at the scene. While in custody, Labrada Machado reportedly told law enforcement that he knew Jewell prior to the shooting. The two were said to have had an argument some time in the past. At the time, the Volusia Sheriff's Office reported that Labrada Machado told them he wasn't aware Jewell was a law enforcement officer. There was reportedly no conversation prior to the shooting. "The stark brutality of this case shocked our entire community," said State Attorney R.J. Larizza. "The defendant's plea ensures he will never be released from prison. I hope that avoiding a long and painful trial process will give the family some measure of peace. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers."