KAUFMAN, TX – A manhunt is underway in North Texas for a fugitive capital murder suspect who cut off his ankle monitor just hours before his trial was set to begin. Trevor McEwan, who had been out on bond despite previous violations, is now the focus of an intense search effort.
Kaufman County Sheriff Brian Beaver confirmed that McEwan, who is accused of the murder of Aaron Martinez, removed his monitoring device early Monday morning. The trial was scheduled to start that day with jury selection. Investigators say McEwan admitted to shooting Martinez multiple times after a standoff with SWAT in May 2023.
Following his arrest, McEwan had been under house arrest at a family member’s home in neighboring Van Zandt County. Authorities were alerted when the ankle monitor signaled tampering. Upon arrival, deputies discovered the device damaged in a bedroom and a fire on the property.
Sheriff Beaver expressed frustration over McEwan’s ability to escape, emphasizing the suspect’s dangerous nature and questioning the justice system’s decision to allow his release on bond. McEwan was initially released on a $2.2 million bond last September, then re-arrested for violating bond terms, and subsequently released again on a $2 million bond in December.
The sheriff’s office is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to McEwan’s capture. Authorities have deployed a dog to track the fugitive’s scent, which led them to a main road in Grand Saline. Despite the search efforts, McEwan’s whereabouts remain unknown.
Sheriff Beaver noted that McEwan’s family had been cooperative with the investigation, and their vehicles were still at the residence, indicating McEwan did not flee using them. The sheriff urged anyone with information to come forward, highlighting the urgency of apprehending McEwan.
The case has raised questions about the decisions made by the justice system, with law enforcement officials expressing frustration over McEwan’s repeated release despite violations. The hunt continues as authorities focus on digital evidence and leads to locate the fugitive.