Crime
18-Year-Old Jose Antonio Alvarado Charged with Murder After Man Found Dead in Jefferson County House Fire
JEFFERSON COUNTY, AL — Authorities have confirmed that a man found deceased inside a burning home in Graysville was the victim of a homicide, and an 18-year-old from Elkmont has now been arrested in connection with the case.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office announced Friday that Jose Antonio Alvarado, 18, has been charged with murder and second-degree arson in connection with the deadly fire.
The identity of the victim has not yet been released by the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office, as officials continue working to confirm next of kin.
The incident began on Sunday night, when firefighters from Graysville and Adamsville responded to a reported structure fire in the 500 block of Seventh Avenue S.W. at approximately 9:30 p.m.
Upon arrival, first responders found the home fully engulfed in flames.
After the fire was brought under control, emergency crews discovered the body of a male victim inside the residence. He was pronounced dead at the scene at 10:17 p.m.
Detectives from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, along with agents from the Alabama State Fire Marshal’s Office, were called in to investigate.
Following several days of inquiries, Alvarado was taken into custody on Thursday.
He was booked into the Jefferson County Jail at 6:05 p.m. and is currently being held without bond.
Authorities have not yet disclosed the specific circumstances surrounding the victim’s death or a potential motive for the crime.
The case remains under active investigation.
This incident marks the 48th homicide in Jefferson County so far in 2025.
Anyone with information that could assist investigators is urged to contact the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office at 205-325-1450, or provide anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.
Crime
Two Children Killed, Two Others Critically Injured in Angleton-Area Shooting, Mother in Custody
ANGLETON, Texas — Authorities are investigating a tragic shooting in Brazoria County that left two children dead and two others critically injured early Saturday morning.
According to the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), deputies were dispatched around 5:00 a.m. after a distressed woman called 911, reporting that her son had attempted to kill her and that multiple children were in the vehicle with her.
Deputies located the woman and the children at a gas station on State Highway 288B near FM 521.
Investigators believe the shooting occurred elsewhere, and multiple agencies are now working to determine the exact location of the incident.
Upon arrival, deputies found four children suffering from gunshot wounds. A 13-year-old and a 4-year-old were pronounced dead at the scene.
An 8-year-old and a 9-year-old were airlifted to a nearby trauma hospital in critical condition.
Authorities later confirmed both surviving children are expected to recover.
Initial reports indicate that all individuals involved have been accounted for, and there is no ongoing threat to the community.
A female adult—believed to be the children’s mother—has been taken into custody.
While investigators initially received conflicting information suggesting one of the children may have been responsible, authorities now believe the adult female was the shooter.
In a statement, the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office said:
“All individuals believed to be involved have been detained, and there is no ongoing threat to the community. While the details are still developing, the loss of two children in such a manner is a tragedy. Our thoughts are with the family and everyone affected as we continue to learn more about this heartbreaking situation.”
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office confirmed it is assisting Brazoria County investigators at a related residence in Montgomery County, believed to be connected to the ongoing investigation.
Authorities have not yet released the names of the victims or the suspect pending notification of next of kin.
The investigation remains active.