Trevor McEuen, a North Texas man accused of capital murder, was apprehended early Monday morning after a nearly month-long manhunt that gripped Kaufman and Van Zandt counties. The 33-year-old was taken into custody at his grandmother's residence in Van Zandt County following a coordinated multi-agency operation involving local, state, and federal law enforcement. Authorities say McEuen had been hiding there since May 5, the day he vanished just hours before his capital murder trial was set to begin.
McEuen had been on Texas’ 10 Most Wanted Fugitives list after he removed his court-ordered ankle monitor and failed to appear for jury selection in the 2023 shooting death of his neighbor, Aaron Martinez. The victim, a 35-year-old man who had recently moved to Forney to start a horse training ranch, was fatally shot multiple times on May 1, 2023. McEuen later admitted to the shooting following a SWAT standoff. The Kaufman County Sheriff's Office shared images of McEuen in the back of a police vehicle, barefoot and covered in mud, underscoring the fugitive’s desperate attempt to evade capture.
The arrest unfolded without incident after law enforcement executed a search warrant at McEuen’s grandmother’s home along U.S. Highway 80 in Grand Saline. McEuen’s defense attorney, Abigail Spain, revealed that tear gas was deployed during the operation. She explained, “I did talk to him briefly this morning. He's a little shaken up. They did use tear gas when they apprehended him this morning.” Spain also noted that McEuen had been hiding under the house and was reportedly concealing himself even from his grandmother.
Kaufman County Sheriff Bryan Beavers praised the relentless efforts of the law enforcement teams involved, stating, “This arrest is the result of relentless and coordinated efforts by law enforcement personnel who worked around the clock to ensure that this dangerous individual was brought back into custody. The safety of our community was at stake, and we are proud of the partnership and professionalism displayed by every agency involved.”
McEuen faces a host of charges beyond capital murder, including five counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, arson, felony bail jumping, and failure to appear in court. Authorities are also investigating whether others knowingly assisted McEuen during his time as a fugitive. Kaufman County District Attorney Erleigh Wiley indicated that McEuen is likely to remain in jail until his trial, now scheduled for August 4, 2025. Wiley affirmed the commitment to justice, saying, “We are so relieved to get McEuen back in custody. This was a concern for the safety of the community. He's a dangerous suspect, human being, individual. Very happy for the Martinez family. They were looking for justice on May 15 when he absconded. So we can get back to getting this case tried.”
The circumstances leading up to McEuen’s flight are chilling. On the morning of May 5, 2025, McEuen removed his ankle monitor at his Van Zandt County home, set the house on fire, and disappeared. This act triggered a widespread manhunt that engaged multiple agencies, including the U.S. Marshals Service. The search spanned nearly a month, culminating in his capture at a family residence, close to where the search began.
Governor Greg Abbott had issued a $30,000 reward for information leading to McEuen's arrest and added him to the state’s most wanted list. However, the Texas Department of Public Safety later stated the reward would not be paid out based on how the arrest transpired. Abbott lauded law enforcement’s success on social media, writing, “Thanks to our brave law enforcement for getting this heinous criminal off our streets. Texas will soon bring him to justice.” The case has also been referenced by Abbott in discussions about reforming bond laws in Texas.
The victim's family has been vocal throughout this ordeal. Salvador Martinez, Aaron’s father, expressed relief at McEuen’s capture but urged the court not to grant bond again. “I am happy. This time, the sheriff, the city of Kaufman did their job. Don't let him out again. He's not supposed to get another chance at bond,” he said. Family representative Carlos Quintanilla echoed these sentiments, calling the shooting a hate crime and accusing McEuen of continuing to harass the family while free on bond. “We hope he gets zero bond. We hope the trial is expeditious and that a jury finds him guilty,” Quintanilla said.
Martinez’s family shared that McEuen had a history of threats and racially charged remarks towards Aaron before the murder. They recounted incidents where McEuen fired shots at Martinez’s property and made offensive racial comments. Despite these warnings and police reports, Martinez did not initially pursue charges. McEuen’s legal troubles began in May 2023 with his initial arrest, followed by his release on bond. He was indicted for capital murder in November 2023. After posting a $1 million bond in September 2024, McEuen allegedly violated bond conditions by posting photos of Martinez and his relatives on Instagram, further escalating tensions.
Legal proceedings are expected to be complex given the high-profile nature of the case. McEuen’s attorney indicated plans to seek a change of venue, citing the intense media coverage and public interest in Kaufman County. “We just want to make sure that our client gets an unbiased jury,” Spain said.
Meanwhile, authorities continue to investigate potential accomplices who may have aided McEuen while he was on the run. The Martinez family has also called for the case to be moved to another jurisdiction if Kaufman County lacks the resources to prosecute effectively.
McEuen was booked into the Kaufman County Jail shortly after his arrest on June 2, 2025. The court has yet to announce whether he will be held without bond pending trial. For now, the community breathes a cautious sigh of relief as this dangerous fugitive is once again behind bars, awaiting justice for the tragic death of Aaron Martinez.
