CHEVY CHASE, Md. — A parole agent was found dead in Chevy Chase on Friday. He has been identified as 33-year-old Davis Martinez, and a suspect has been arrested and charged with second degree murder.
The Major Crimes Division at the Montgomery County Department of Police charged Emanuel Edward Sewell, a 54-year-old Chevy Chase man, with second degree murder in connection with the death of a Maryland Parole and Probation agent.
Martinez is the first Maryland Division of Parole and Probation agent in the state to ever be killed by a client while on duty, according to the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services.
"The loss of a law enforcement officer who was performing his duties for the state of Maryland is a tragedy," Montgomery County Police Chief Marcus Jones said. "The death of agent Martinez is a stark reminder of the dangers we face everyday."
Several people are calling Martinez a hero.
"Those people are the first line of defense when you're in trouble and make a call and what they do its incredible and they often don't get appreciated for it," one man who didn't want to be identified.
The department's secretary, Carolyn Scruggs, called Martinez an unsung hero. “We extend our deepest condolences to Agent Martinez’s family and co-workers. His professionalism, diligence and resilience will remain engraved in our hearts,” she said.
Governor Wes Moore this evening issued the following statement regarding the apprehension of the suspect wanted for the murder of Agent Davis Martinez:
“Agent Martinez served with distinction and our state is safer because of him—our entire state grieves his loss along with those he held dear. I would like to thank our dedicated law enforcement community for their relentless and successful efforts in apprehending the suspect and for their unwavering pursuit of justice for Agent Martinez, his family, his friends and colleagues.”
Per the governor’s order, the Maryland flag will continue to fly at half staff through the day of Agent Martinez’s interment. The U.S. flag will also be lowered to half staff on the day of interment.
Police said that on Friday at around 5:50 p.m., officers arrived to the 2800 block of Terrace Drive in Chevy Chase for a welfare check on an agent who had not reported back to work "after a resident check of Sewell, a registered sex offender."
Once on the scene, police found Martinez who was pronounced dead as a result of blunt force trauma, according to an MCPD press conference. Police said Sewell was not inside the residence and they believed Sewell had Agent Martinez's badge.
Around 24 hours later, Sewell was reportedly taken into custody by US Marshalls Task Force after a traffic stop near Hurricane, West Virginia. He will be extradited to Montgomery County, according to a press release.
WUSA9 heard from several neighbors following the shooting.
"It's a nightmare," one man who didn't want to be identified said. "It's terrifying. I mean we live in this neighborhood and put so much effort into finding a safe neighborhood for our kids and stuff."
Some people even detailed moments that last saw the suspect in person.
"I haven't seen him, but I know many people in my building have seen him, my wife has seen him. He's definitely been around," one man said.
Several people who live nearby shared their concerns to learn about what happened so close to their homes.
"It's sad, we're families we have schools just around here," neighbor, Aron Belin said. He also expressed concerns about not knowing about Sewell's history along with other people who live nearby.
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