EDGEWATER, Fla. – A growing memorial outside the Edgewater Police Department is honoring Officer David Jewell, who investigators say was shot and killed Monday while off duty at a Circle K in Ormond-by-the-Sea.
Jewell, who had been with the department for two years, stopped at the convenience store to buy a hot dog when he was shot by 24-year-old Eduardo Machado, according to the Volusia Sheriff’s Office. Machado appeared before a judge Tuesday and is now facing a charge of first-degree murder.
“This gun was bought for one purpose and one purpose alone: that gun was bought to assassinate police Officer Jewell,” Sheriff Mike Chitwood said.
[WATCH BELOW: New details emerge in fatal shooting of Edgewater police officer at gas station]
Detectives said Machado confessed to having a past argument with Jewell, though he could not explain when, where or why. Investigators said the gun was recently purchased and picked up just two hours before the shooting.
As the investigation moves forward, residents across Edgewater are focusing on Jewell’s life and service. His patrol car, parked in front of the police station, has been covered with flowers, balloons and handwritten notes.
“There’s so much evil in this world today,” one community member said. “For something like this to happen to an innocent individual that would protect you from the evil, it’s just one less person we have to do that.”
[WATCH BELOW: Community pays respect to fallen Edgewater officer]
Others said the memorial is bringing people together.
“It just gives them faith that there will be justice served,” Jane O’Conner said. “And just to know the community is waiting and wanting to know exactly what happened, to give them some peace.”
Annette Christine said the tragedy is uniting neighbors: “Yes, we need to stand together in unity. Everybody needs to be on the same page here and embrace each other.”
Edgewater police said funeral arrangements for Jewell are still being finalized. In the meantime, the memorial outside headquarters continues to grow, a reflection, residents say, of how much he meant to this community.