Texas Authorities Offer Reward for Fugitive Accused of Murdering Neighbor
Texas law enforcement agencies are offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Trever McEuen, a man accused of murdering his neighbor. McEuen absconded shortly before 10 a.m. on May 5 after failing to appear in court on murder charges and removing his ankle monitor, according to the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office.
The sheriff’s office initially announced the search for McEuen via a Facebook post, indicating that authorities were focusing their efforts near US Highway 80 east of Grand Saline, a location approximately 75 miles east of Dallas. The post also stated that, at the time, there appeared to be no immediate threat to the public.
Adding another layer of complexity to the case, police revealed that Kaufman County has an active warrant for McEuen’s bail revocation related to a capital murder charge. Sheriff Bryan Beavers of the Kaufman County Sheriff’s Office subsequently announced the $10,000 reward, underscoring the urgency and importance of McEuen’s apprehension.
Sheriff Beavers confirmed that McEuen, who was previously released on bond, severed his ankle monitor and failed to appear for his capital murder trial scheduled for May 5. Law enforcement officials are urging the public to exercise extreme caution and refrain from approaching or attempting to apprehend McEuen. Instead, they are advising anyone who spots him to immediately contact 911 or report the sighting to the Kaufman County Sheriff’s Office at 469-376-4500. For those wishing to remain anonymous, tips can be submitted to Kaufman County Crime Stoppers at 1-877-847-7522.
Kaufman County District Attorney Erleigh Wiley conveyed the uncertainty surrounding McEuen’s escape to FOX4 News. She stated that it remains unclear how McEuen fled, whether he was traveling on foot or in a vehicle, and what clothing he might be wearing. Wiley emphasized the critical role of public assistance in ensuring community safety and aiding law enforcement in locating and apprehending the fugitive.
Jose Noriega, McEuen’s lead defense attorney, issued a statement to CBS News indicating that his team is closely monitoring the developments from law enforcement. Noriega maintained his client’s consistent claim of innocence and expressed hope for a peaceful resolution to the situation.
The case has garnered significant attention from local media outlets. WFAA reported that McEuen is accused of fatally shooting his neighbor in May 2023, a detail confirmed by Sheriff Beavers. The victim, identified as rancher Aaron Martinez, 35, was found dead in his truck, having sustained multiple gunshot wounds.
According to reports, Kaufman County deputies witnessed McEuen driving away from the scene in his truck. He was eventually apprehended following a standoff and negotiation involving a SWAT team.
In the aftermath of the shooting, Representative Joaquin Castro, a Democrat representing Texas, called for hate crime charges to be filed against McEuen. Castro asserted that Aaron Martinez was murdered in cold blood by an individual motivated by a desire to drive Hispanics out of Kaufman County. He urged Kaufman County authorities to promptly file hate crime charges and, if they failed to do so, called for federal prosecutors to intervene to ensure justice was served. Castro further stated that McEuen had a history of harassing the Martinez family and expressing the sentiment that Hispanics were not welcome in Kaufman County.
McEuen was initially released on bond a few weeks after his arrest. However, following a Kaufman County grand jury indictment for capital murder in November 2023, he was re-arrested.
On September 6, 2024, McEuen was again released from jail on a $1 million bond. As a condition of his release, the judge imposed several restrictions, including prohibiting him from contacting Martinez’s relatives or being within 200 yards of them.
McEuen allegedly violated the terms of his bond just five days later by posting pictures of Martinez and two of Martinez’s relatives to his Instagram account, reportedly including threats to shoot Martinez’s uncle. As a result, a judge raised McEuen’s bond to $2 million, and he was jailed once again on September 17, 2024. According to McEuen’s attorney, Noriega, his client posted bond again in mid-December.
The current search for McEuen underscores the ongoing efforts to bring him to justice for the alleged murder of Aaron Martinez and the potential hate crime implications of the case. The $10,000 reward serves as an incentive for individuals with information about McEuen’s whereabouts to come forward and assist law enforcement in their efforts to apprehend him. The public’s assistance is crucial in ensuring community safety and holding McEuen accountable for his alleged actions. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the appropriate law enforcement agencies.
The alleged actions and motivations behind the murder have sparked significant debate and concern, particularly regarding the potential role of hate-motivated violence. The calls for hate crime charges highlight the importance of thoroughly investigating the circumstances surrounding Martinez’s death and ensuring that justice is served for the victim and his family. The case remains a high priority for law enforcement and the community as they work to bring McEuen back into custody and ensure a fair and just resolution to this tragic situation.
