Trevor McEuen, facing multiple charges including capital murder for the May 2023 shooting of neighbor Aaron Martinez, has removed his ankle monitor and is now the subject of a police manhunt in Van Zandt County.

The disappearance of Trevor McEuen, who is accused of fatally shooting Aaron Martinez and faces serious charges including capital murder and aggravated assault, raises significant concerns for public safety in Van Zandt County. Local authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity, as an active warrant for his arrest remains in place. Sheriff Kevin Bridger emphasized that the safety of citizens is the primary focus of the ongoing manhunt.

McEuen was scheduled to appear in court on May 5, 2025, to face the murder charge brought against him. However, his removal of the ankle monitor has complicated legal proceedings and intensified the urgency of law enforcement’s search. The court appearance was to address allegations that McEuen had shot and killed his neighbor, Aaron Martinez, in a violent incident that occurred in May 2023.

On that fateful day, Aaron Martinez was found dead in his truck, which had suffered numerous bullet wounds, suggesting a targeted attack. Reports indicate that Martinez’s death was a culmination of escalating tensions in the neighborhood, which might have contributed to the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

The severity of McEuen's charges reflects the violent nature of the incident. Alongside capital murder, he faces four counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and another murder charge. The allegations suggest a calculated act of violence that has rattled the local community, prompting officials to classify McEuen as a dangerous individual.

Following the shooting, police attempted to apprehend McEuen, leading to a standoff during which he reportedly refused to exit his vehicle. This incident has drawn significant attention, showcasing the challenges law enforcement faces in handling suspects who may pose a danger to themselves and others.

In the weeks leading up to his disappearance, McEuen had been monitored closely due to the serious nature of the charges against him. His escape and removal of the ankle monitor have raised questions regarding the effectiveness of the monitoring system in place for high-risk offenders, especially those accused of violent crimes.

Authorities have issued an active warrant for McEuen’s bail revocation connected to the capital murder charge, further complicating his legal status. His flight from law enforcement has prompted a serious inquiry into how such a situation could arise, and what measures law enforcement and judicial systems can implement to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Local police have escalated their search efforts, urging anyone with information relating to McEuen's whereabouts to contact 911 immediately. They have made it clear that residents should not attempt to apprehend McEuen themselves, citing public safety as the top priority. The Van Zandt County Sheriff's Office is taking extra precautions to ensure that the manhunt is conducted efficiently and safely.

The urgency of the situation has drawn the attention of state and federal authorities, as the investigation into McEuen's actions and his prior conduct continues. Representative Joaquin Castro previously called for hate crime charges against McEuen during the initial investigation following the murder of Martinez, based on the implications that the murder could have been motivated by bias.

As the manhunt unfolds, residents in Van Zandt County are reminded to remain watchful and to report any sightings of McEuen to law enforcement. The apprehension of individuals like McEuen is crucial not only for the immediate safety of the community but also to uphold the integrity of the legal system, which hinges on holding suspects accountable for their alleged crimes.