ORMOND-BY-THE-SEA, Fla. — A man who admitted to fatally shooting an off-duty police officer inside a convenience store in 2025 has been sentenced to life in prison, according to prosecutors.
During a hearing Monday, May 18, 2026, Eduardo Labrada Machado pleaded no contest to First-Degree Murder with a Firearm and was sentenced to life in prison.
Investigators said the killing occurred Sept. 15, 2025, while Labrada Machado was working at a convenience store in Ormond-by-the-Sea.
According to the investigation, off-duty Edgewater Police Department Officer David Jewell entered the store when surveillance video showed Labrada Machado walking outside to retrieve a jacket from his vehicle.
Authorities said the defendant returned to the store, pulled a gun from the jacket, and immediately opened fire on Jewell at the front counter.
Investigators said after the officer fell to the ground, Labrada Machado stood over him and continued shooting. Officer Jewell was struck 20 times and died at the scene.
The defendant was arrested shortly after fleeing the store.
According to detectives, Labrada Machado later stated he had been having a “rough start” to his day and had thought about shooting Officer Jewell during his drive to work. Investigators said the officer was known to frequent the store and lived nearby.
R.J. Larizza described the case as one that shocked the community and said the plea ensures Labrada Machado will spend the rest of his life in prison.
The Volusia Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant State Attorney Andrew Urbanak prosecuted the case on behalf of the State of Florida.
The sentence was imposed by Elizabeth Blackburn.