CRESCENT CITY, CA – Deanna Esmaeel, the mother of Marty York, known for his role in “The Sandlot,” and a sheriff’s deputy in Del Norte County, California, was tragically found dead in her residence on North Bank Road in Crescent City, California. Her death has prompted a manhunt for Edward Patrick Davies, the man suspected in her murder.
Esmaeel’s body was discovered around 10 a.m. on Thursday, and the local authorities are actively searching for Davies. Davies, 54, was Esmaeel’s boyfriend and had recently changed his name from “Daniel James Walter.” A warrant for his arrest has been issued by Del Norte County Superior Court Judge Darren McElfresh.
Sheriff Garrett Scott expressed his condolences, saying, “We are all deeply heartbroken with the loss of Deputy Esmaeel. Our hearts and prayers go out to her family, friends, and co-workers.”
Esmaeel had become a sheriff’s deputy on March 19, 2021, after taking an oath of office. She was described as someone who fulfilled a “lifelong goal” to help people, according to a Del Norte County Sheriff’s Office Facebook post.
The discovery of Esmaeel’s body came after she failed to show up for work or respond to phone calls. Davies, who was last seen leaving the area on foot, is considered a suspect in her murder. Authorities have noted that he has connections to Curry County, Oregon, and drives a black 2010 Mazda 4-door sedan with California license plate 6JYD676.
Authorities are working diligently to apprehend the suspect and uncover the details surrounding this heartbreaking event.