Deanna Esmaeel, the mother of “The Sandlot” actor Marty York and a sheriff’s deputy in Del Norte County, California, was found dead in her home Thursday morning.
A manhunt is currently underway for Edward Patrick Davies, the man suspected in Esmaeel’s murder, according to TMZ.
Esmaeel’s body was discovered inside her home on North Bank Road in Crescent City, California, at about 10 a.m. Thursday, Sheriff Garrett Scott told the Wild Rivers Outpost on Friday.
“We are all deeply heartbroken with the loss of Deputy Esmaeel,” Scott said in a statement. “Our hearts and prayers go out to her family, friends, and co-workers.”
According to Scott, a staff member was sent to Esmaeel’s home after she failed to show up for work or answer any phone calls.
The Post has reached out to York’s representatives for comment.
Davies, 54, was Esmaeel’s boyfriend and had recently changed his name from “Daniel James Walter.” Del Norte County Superior Court Judge Darren McElfresh has issued a warrant for Davies’ arrest.
Davies was last seen leaving the area on foot. He was wearing a beret-style hat, a white jacket and blue jeans.
“Walter has connections to Curry County, Oregon,” Scott told the Outpost. “He drives a black 2010 Mazda 4-door sedan with California license plate 6JYD676.”
Esmaeel became a sheriff’s deputy on March 19, 2021 after taking an oath of office and being sworn in by then-sheriff Erik Apperson.
According to a Del Norte County Sheriff’s Office Facebook post, she was fulfilling a “lifelong goal” to help people.
“It’s time for me to take everything I have learned in my life,” she said, “and help other people.”
This story is still developing.