Latest news with #VanZandtCountySheriff'sOffice
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Texas Fugitive Wanted For Capital Murder Captured After Month-Long Manhunt
Trevor McEuen, a 32-year-old capital murder suspect on Texas' 10 Most Wanted Fugitives list, was arrested early Monday in Van Zandt County after a month-long manhunt, the Kaufman County Sheriff's Office announced. McEuen, who skipped a May 5 court appearance for the 2023 killing of Aaron Martinez, 35, in Forney, was taken into custody without incident following an hours-long SWAT standoff at his grandparent's home, where he was allegedly hiding under the house. 'His grandmother is in her 90s. From what I'm hearing, he was hiding under the house and was hiding from her as well,' said McEuen's attorney, Abigail Spain, per CBS 11. 'So, I am hopeful that they would not be facing any charges for this. I don't believe that they were aiding and abetting.' The Kaufman County Sheriff's Office posted a photo on social media showing McEuen, barefoot and mud-covered, in a police vehicle. Authorities located him through weeks of investigative work and surveillance, with assistance from the Van Zandt County Sheriff's Office and the Texas Department of Public Safety. 'This arrest is the result of relentless and coordinated efforts by law enforcement personnel who worked around the clock to ensure that this dangerous individual was brought back into custody,' Sheriff Bryan Beavers said. 'The safety of our community was at stake, and we are proud of the partnership and professionalism displayed by every agency involved.' McEuen faces charges including capital murder by terror threat, five counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, arson, bail jumping, and failure to appear. He is held in Kaufman County Jail, with no bond amount listed as of Monday afternoon. Authorities are investigating whether anyone knowingly aided McEuen while he was a fugitive. Martinez's family told CBS News Texas that McEuen had previously threatened Martinez, fired at his property, and made racially charged remarks, though Martinez did not pursue charges at the time. McEuen allegedly shot Martinez multiple times on May 1, 2023, and admitted to the murder after a SWAT standoff. Initially arrested that month, McEuen was released on a $1 million bond in September 2024 but violated conditions by posting photos of Martinez and his relatives on Instagram. Released again on a $2 million bond in December, he cut off his ankle monitor at 5:33 a.m. on May 5, 2025, and allegedly set a house on fire before fleeing. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott had offered a $30,000 reward for information leading to McEuen's arrest, but the Texas DPS said the reward would not be paid. A news conference on the arrest is expected, though details about the standoff's duration remain undisclosed.
CBS News
06-05-2025
- CBS News
Family's fears realized when Kaufman County murder suspect flees after removing ankle monitor
As the search for the suspect in Aaron Martinez's murder continues, the victim's family said they knew the man charged in his murder would do something like this. The Van Zandt County Sheriff's Office said the suspect removed his ankle monitor and missed his trial start date. "This was our fear," said Elisandra Martinez, the sister of Aaron Martinez. Members of the Martinez family said they begged Kaufman County authorities to keep the suspect, Trevor McEuen, in custody, that his release under electronic monitoring would not work. "They said they had everything in their hands, he was monitored, no way he could flee," Elisandra Martinez said. "He proved everyone wrong. Now we want him to be found." The Martinez's have always believed their brother was the victim of a hate crime. "The family waited for two years for justice, and today would've been the day, and they didn't get that," said Carlos Quintanilla, the Martinez family advocate. "The family is now fearful." McEuen's trial was scheduled to begin Monday. Kaufman County's criminal district attorney said in a statement that McEuen removed his court-ordered ankle monitor at 5:33 a.m. and left his residence. The death of Aaron Martinez Relatives told CBS News Texas after his death that Martinez moved to Forney to open a horse training ranch. His new neighbor, McEuen, told Martinez that Hispanics were not welcome, the relatives said. Aaron Martinez Aaron Martinez family Incident reports showed that Martinez had safety concerns dating back to at least July of 2022, when he told police that McEuen pointed a gun at him, fired at his property and threatened his employees. He didn't pursue charges. McEuen's father later told police that Martinez had also shot guns in their direction, which Martinez's father denied. Arrest documents showed that McEuen admitted to killing Martinez. McEuen was initially arrested for murder in May of 2023 and held on a $2 million bond. Later that month, a judge held a bond reduction hearing and at some point later, he posted bond and was released. In November of 2023, a Kaufman County grand jury indicted McEuen for capital murder and he was arrested again. On September 6, 2024, court records show McEuen was released from jail on a $1 million bond. The judge imposed numerous restrictions on McEuen during pre-trial release, including a prohibition on contacting Martinez's relatives and going within 200 yards of them. Five days later, McEuen allegedly violated his bond by posting pictures of Martinez and two of Martinez's relatives to his Instagram account. Court documents allege McEuen also threatened to shoot the uncle. On September 17, 2024, a judge raised McEuen's bond to $2 million, and he was jailed again. Noriega said McEuen posted bond in mid-December.
CBS News
05-05-2025
- CBS News
North Texas sheriff deputies searching for murder suspect who removed ankle monitor
The Van Zandt County Sheriff's Office is searching for a murder suspect who was due in court Monday, but removed his ankle monitor. Deputies are searching for Trevor McEuen near US Highway 80 east of Grand Saline, about 65 miles east of Dallas. McEuen faces numerous charges in neighboring Kaufman County, including capital murder, murder and aggravated assault. They stem from the death of Aaron Martinez, who was shot and killed in May of 2023. Authorities are asking anyone in the area to call 911 if they see anyone suspicious, and to not attempt to apprehend McEuen if they see him. The death of Aaron Martinez Relatives told CBS News Texas after his death that Martinez moved to Forney to open a horse training ranch. His new neighbor, McEuen, told Martinez that Hispanics were not welcome, the relatives said. Incident reports showed that Martinez had safety concerns dating back to at least July of 2022, when he told police that McEuen pointed a gun at him, fired at his property and threatened his employees. He didn't pursue charges. McEuen's father later told police Martinez had also shot guns in their direction, which Martinez's father denied. Arrest documents showed that McEuen admitted to killing Martinez.
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Yahoo
Canton woman arrested after cocaine, meth discovered during traffic stop
VAN ZANDT COUNTY, Texas (KETK) – A traffic stop in Van Zandt County led to the arrest of a Canton woman for multiple drug related charges on Wednesday. The Van Zandt County Sheriff's Office's Drug Interdiction Team conducted a traffic stop on Wednesday evening near the 24000 block of FM 47. Lake Tawakoni produces first-ever Legacy Class ShareLunker 13lb bass While officers were searching the vehicle they reportedly found what was suspected to be marijuana along with suspected methamphetamine and a firearm inside of the car. The driver of the vehicle was identified as Terry Lawson of Canton. Lawson was arrested and charged for possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana and and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. East Texas high-speed chase ends in crash; one airlifted to hospital Lawson was booked into the Van Zandt County Detention Center and has been released on bond. The case is still being investigated and officials said that Lawson is considered innocent until proven guilty. 'We have a renewed emphasis on stopping illicit drugs in Van Zandt County and having a Drug Interdiction Team is just the first step,' Van Zandt County Sheriff Kevin Bridger stated. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
