Chevy Chase man accused of killing parole officer

Emanuel Edward Sewell, who was wanted in connection with the death of a Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services officer, is in custody.

Sewell was found by US Marshalls Task Force officers while traveling on I-64 near Hurricane, WV. Saturday.

Sewell is accused of killing Davis Martinez, 33, a six-year employee of the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services.

Martinez responded to the 2800 block of Terrace Drive in Chevy Chase to conduct a resident check on Sewell, who was released from prison in 2021 and is a registered sex offender.

When Martinez did not report to work, Montgomery County Police Department 2nd District officers were dispatched to the location to check on the welfare call, where Martinez was found inside.

The medical examiner ruled the manner of death a homicide. The victim suffered multiple injuries.

Sewell, 54, was charged with second-degree murder and will be extradited back to Montgomery County.

Martinez was a six-year employee of the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. He is the first Maryland Division of Parole and Probation officer in the state to ever be killed by a client while on duty.

A blue alert has been issued. A Blue Alert is sent when an officer is killed or seriously injured in the line of duty.

When Sewell fled, he was believed to be in possession of Martinez’s badge.

MCPD is actively searching for Emanuel Edward Sewell, a Chevy Chase man wanted in connection with the death of a Maryland parole and probation officer. Sewell, 54, may be driving a gray 2017 Hyundai Elantra with Maryland license plates 93661HT.https://t.co/edsmz057E2. pic.twitter.com/z3OURzptLp

— Montgomery County Police Department (@mcpnews) June 1, 2024

“Agent Davis Martinez has served our state with distinction, and our communities are safer because of him,” said Governor Wes Moore. “My heart goes out to his friends, family, loved ones and colleagues – our entire state mourns with you for the loss of one of our own in the line of duty.”

Moore ordered Maryland flags flown at half-staff until the day of Martinez’s internment. The US flag will also be flown at half-staff on the day of the funeral.

Montgomery County Deputy Administrative Officer Earl Stoddard posted on social media, “To hear that a member of the public safety community has lost their life in the pursuit of their mission to keep us all safe is simply heartbreaking.”

Councilwoman Kate Stewart called Martinez’s death “tragic. My thoughts are with this officer’s family, their colleagues and friends.”

Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services Secretary Carolyn J. Scruggs called the parole and probation officers “unsung heroes,” adding, “Our deepest condolences go out to the family and colleagues of Officer Martinez. His professionalism, diligence and resilience will remain etched in our hearts.”

Martinez worked in the Silver Spring department’s field office.

Parole and Probation Director Martha Danner said, “Davis Martinez was a caring and thoughtful officer who sought to help clients improve their lives.” She added, “The Silver Spring office will miss him very much because he was a kind soul who always helped everyone.”

The Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services has activated its Critical Incident Stress Management Team to provide support to Officer Martinez’s co-workers and is focused on caring for his family’s needs at this time.

The Division of Parole and Probation has offices in every jurisdiction in Maryland and includes approximately 700 agents in addition to more than 300 support and investigative staff. The division oversees nearly 43,000 people in all 23 counties and Baltimore City.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Emanuel Edward Sewell is urged to call the police non-emergency number at 301-279-8000 or visit the Crime Solvers of Montgomery County, MD website at www.crimesolversmcmd.org and click on “www. p3tips.com” at the top of the page or call 1-866-411-8477.

Tips with information leading to an arrest may be eligible for a reward of $250 to $10,000. Tips can remain anonymous.