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.
TAUNTON, Mass. — One person was killed and seven others were injured in an overnight shooting at a house party in Taunton, Massachusetts, authorities said.
The shooting happened at approximately 12:35 a.m. Sunday at a residence in the 261 Weir Street area. Taunton police officers responded after receiving multiple 911 calls reporting gunshots.
When officers arrived, they found several people suffering from gunshot wounds. Investigators were also informed that additional victims had already been transported to area hospitals for medical treatment.
Authorities ultimately identified eight shooting victims, all of whom were reportedly in their early 20s.
One of the victims, 22-year-old Zirovick Depina of Brockton, was pronounced dead early Sunday morning, according to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office.
Of the seven surviving victims, one remains in serious but stable condition, while the others suffered injuries that were considered non-life-threatening. Their identities have not been publicly released.
The shooting occurred during a gathering at the residence. Images from the scene showed a tent and tables in the yard, along with white balloons and what appeared to be a photo backdrop near a garage.
A neighbor told authorities that large gatherings and loud parties had reportedly been common at the residence.
The home is located about a mile from the Taunton Police Department headquarters. The neighbor expressed concern about the shooting occurring in the area, particularly given the late-night activity.
The investigation is being conducted by Taunton Police, Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, and other investigative units. Detectives are working to determine what led to the gunfire and identify those responsible.
Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact Taunton police or investigators with the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office.
The investigation remains active and ongoing, and additional information is expected as authorities continue gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses.