VAN ZANDT COUNTY, Texas — A manhunt is intensifying in Van Zandt County for Trevor McEuen, a capital murder suspect who has evaded authorities after removing his court-ordered ankle monitor and failing to appear in court. The Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with multiple law enforcement agencies, has launched an urgent search for McEuen, who is considered armed and dangerous.
McEuen is wanted in connection with the 2023 shooting death of his neighbor, Aaron Martinez, an incident that followed a prolonged SWAT standoff. Authorities had initially taken McEuen into custody following the standoff, and he had been released under strict monitoring conditions while awaiting trial for capital murder—the most serious criminal charge under Texas law.
According to law enforcement officials, McEuen recently removed his GPS ankle monitor, violating the terms of his bail and triggering a warrant for his arrest for bail revocation. He has since vanished, prompting a focused and expanding manhunt in the region.
Investigators believe McEuen may be hiding in the area surrounding U.S. Highway 80, east of Grand Saline, a rural stretch where officers have concentrated search efforts. Tracking dogs from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ), as well as tactical units, have been deployed in the ongoing operation. The terrain and scattered properties in the area have made the search challenging, but law enforcement says they are pursuing every possible lead.
The Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office has issued a public alert urging residents in the area to remain vigilant and not to approach McEuen under any circumstances. Officials describe McEuen as a serious threat to public safety, given his history and the nature of the charges against him.
“Trevor McEuen is wanted for capital murder and has already shown he is willing to resort to violence,” said a spokesperson for the sheriff’s office. “We are asking the public to be extremely cautious and to call 911 immediately if they see him or anything suspicious.”
Authorities have not released specific details on how long McEuen has been on the run or how he managed to remove his ankle monitor undetected, but the investigation is ongoing. Surveillance of known associates and locations tied to McEuen’s past is underway as law enforcement agencies pool resources to locate him.
Local residents have expressed concern, especially those living along or near the search area. School districts and community organizations have been informed and are taking precautions to ensure safety until the suspect is apprehended.
As the search continues, the sheriff’s office is encouraging anyone with information about Trevor McEuen’s whereabouts to contact law enforcement immediately. All tips can be reported anonymously, and officials stress that any assistance from the public could be critical in bringing this dangerous fugitive into custody.
