Crime
Rene Miguel Zambrana Charged With First-Degree Murder and Felony Firearm in Death of Salvation Army Bell Ringer Alvin Echols
A Detroit man has been charged in connection with the fatal shooting of a Salvation Army bell ringer outside a Kroger grocery store in Westland, Michigan, authorities announced.
The Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that Rene Miguel Zambrana, 37, is charged with first-degree murder and felony firearm in the death of Alvin Leon Echols, 47.
The shooting occurred Thursday evening outside the Kroger located on Ford Road near Central City Parkway.
According to police and prosecutors, the incident happened at approximately 6:20 p.m. on Thursday, December 18, 2025.
Echols was stationed near a Salvation Army donation kettle outside the store when he was shot.
After being struck, Echols ran into the grocery store, where he collapsed near the self-checkout area.
Responding officers located Echols suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest. Despite emergency medical efforts, he later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that Zambrana and Echols were known to one another, though authorities have not publicly disclosed the nature of their relationship or what specifically led to the confrontation.
Prosecutors emphasized that the shooting does not appear to have been a random act of violence.
Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy described the case as a tragic situation, stating that available evidence suggests the incident may have stemmed from a “complicated interpersonal relationship dispute.”
Following the shooting, Zambrana allegedly fled the scene on foot. He was located and arrested by law enforcement early Friday morning without incident.
Zambrana is scheduled to be arraigned Monday afternoon, December 22, 2025, where formal charges will be read and bond conditions determined.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to review evidence and witness statements.
Middletown, Ohio — Authorities have identified the victim of a fatal weekend shooting in Middletown as 49-year-old Christopher Bullock, according to the Butler County Coroner’s Office.
Officers with the Middletown Police Department responded around 12:00 p.m. Sunday to reports of gunfire in the area of Roosevelt Avenue.
Upon arrival, officers located two individuals who had sustained gunshot wounds.
Bullock was pronounced deceased at the scene.
A second victim was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. Officials have not released the condition of the surviving victim.
At this time, police have not announced any arrests or identified a suspect.
Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Authorities are asking anyone with information related to the incident to contact Detective Kristi Hughes at 513-425-7733 or via email at kristi.hughes@cityofmiddletown.org. Tips may also be provided through police dispatch at 513-425-7701.
Detective Hughes is further urging residents in the area to review home or business security footage for any suspicious individuals or vehicles that may have been present around the time of the shooting. The investigation remains active and ongoing.