Daniel James Walter, right, is accused of killing his girlfriend, Del Norte County sheriff’s deputy, Deanna Esmaeel, in her Northern California home on Oct. 12, 2023. Esmaeel’s son is actor Marty York, best known for playing Alan ‘”Yeah-Yeah” McClennan in the 1993 movie “The Sandlot.” (Walter photo via the Del Norte County Sheriff’s Office; York photo via AP in 2020)
Actor Marty York, best known for playing Alan “Yeah-Yeah” McClennan in the 1993 movie “The Sandlot,” and his family are grieving with the murder of his mother, Del Norte County sheriff’s deputy Deanna Esmaeel, who was found dead in her Northern California home Thursday morning.
The Sheriff’s Office alleges that Esmaeel’s boyfriend, Daniel James Walter — who legally changed his name to Edward Patrick Davies in July — is the suspect in her slaying. He was arrested shortly before 7:30 p.m. PST Friday in Brookings, Oregon, about 20 miles from the scene of the crime, authorities said.
“This is the hardest post I’ll ever have to write 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,” York wrote on Instagram.
He later wrote: “I just want my mom back.”
The Del Norte County District Attorney’s Office issued a murder warrant Friday that was signed by a judge. A “wanted” poster was posted on Facebook Friday afternoon saying they were on the hunt for Walter. A surveillance image showed him around 7:43 a.m. walking east on North Bank Road.
Law enforcement put out a “Be on the Lookout” alert for his 2010 black Mazda which was located around 2:15 p.m. He was taken into custody by the Brookings Police Department about five hours later.
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No motive was given for the homicide. Deputies said they couldn’t release more information because of the ongoing investigation.
“We are all deeply heartbroken with the loss of Deputy Esmaeel. Our hearts and prayers go out to her family, friends, and co-workers,” said Del Norte Sheriff Garrett Scott.
The Sandlot tells the story of a group of young baseball players in a summer in the early 1960s. The movie has once again garnered attention attention this year with the 30th anniversary of its release, its child actors now in their 40s.
York, 43, also appeared in Boy Meets World. Danielle Fishel, who played Topanga in the show, posted a message of support on Instagram.
“Marty, this is unreal. A true nightmare. We love you and I hope justice is served FAST,” she wrote.
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