The mother of Sandlot star Marty York, Deanna Esmaeel, was found murdered on Thursday, October 12. Esmaeel’s former boyfriend is currently in custody as the suspect. 

Wild Rivers Outpost reports that police discovered Esmaeel’s body inside her Northern California home after concerned coworkers requested a welfare check. Esmaeel was a deputy with the Del Norte County Sheriff’s Department.

Police shared that witnesses placed Daniel James Water, 54, who legally changed his name to Edward Patrick Davies in July, near Esmaeel’s home on the day of the murder. Because of that, a judge immediately issued a warrant for his arrest. Del North County Sheriff’s Department posted a nationwide manhunt for Walter that same day.

Authorities tracked Walter to Curry County, Oregon, and arrested him on Friday, October 13. He is currently awaiting trial in Del Norte County on a $1 million bail, according to SFGate. Authorities charged Walter with one count of murder. 

“At this time we are unable to release further details as this is an ongoing homicide investigation,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.

Marty York Asks Fans For Help 

York announced the devastating news on Instagram on Friday. At the time, police were still searching for the suspect. He asked fans to help in any way they could. 

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A post shared by Marty York (@marty_york)

“This is the hardest post I’ll ever have to write,” York began. “But I found out from the sheriff department last night that my mother was murdered by a man she was seeing. The emotions I have are horrible right now between rage, vengeance, crying. There is a nationwide manhunt underway, please if you’ve seen this man contact the authorities immediately!”

“I just want my mom back,” he wrote in the comments. 

Marty York played Alan “Yeah-Yeah” McClennan in Sandlot. He also starred in series such as Wings, Boy Meets World, and Saved by the Bell: The College Years. 

‘Sandlot’ Star’s Mother Was a Celebrated Sheriff’s Deputy 

Deanna Esmaeel worked as an animal trainer on film sets from 1989. Her IMDb page credits her with 31 projects, including Army of Darkness, What’s Love Got to Do with It, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, and Easy Money. She also served as a camera director and worked in cinematography several times. 

In 2021, Esmaeel decided to make a huge career change and went into law enforcement. Her former colleagues are investigating her death. 

“We are all deeply heartbroken with the loss of Deputy Esmaeel,” said Del Norte County Sheriff Garrett Scott in a statement. “Our hearts and prayers go out to her family, friends, and co-workers.”