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.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. — Authorities have identified two victims killed during an active shooter incident at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet late Friday night.
The suspect, identified as Gary Haley, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is deceased following an officer-involved shooting, officials confirmed.
Mount Juliet Police officers were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday to the Cedar Creek Marina, located in the 9000 block of Saundersville Road, after receiving reports of a man threatening another individual on the docks.
Due to the active shooter report, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as Robby Brogdon, who was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Brogdon later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the suspected shooter had retreated to a boat within the marina and had barricaded himself inside.
The standoff continued for several hours as officers secured the scene and attempted to resolve the situation safely.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that the suspect engaged responding officers and fired shots at them under circumstances that remain under investigation. Officers returned fire.
The suspect, Gary Haley, was later found deceased aboard the vessel.
During the course of the response, officers also discovered a second adult male victim, Nathan Jones, who had been shot by the suspect.
Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the investigation, which includes a homicide, an attempted homicide, and an officer-involved shooting.
TBI agents are actively conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and working to establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
Upon completion of the investigation, findings will be submitted to 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson for review.
Authorities stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.