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.
Crime
New Mexico Teen Darren Munoz Charged With Orchestrating Parents’ Murders in Alleged Financial Plot
A 19-year-old New Mexico man is facing multiple murder-related charges after authorities allege he arranged the killings of his father and stepmother as part of a plan to gain control of their finances and property.
Darren Munoz, 19, is accused of recruiting a friend, 18-year-old Julio Zamora, to carry out the fatal shootings of Oscar Munoz, 58, and Dina Munoz, 71, inside the family’s home in Clovis, New Mexico—located more than 200 miles east of Albuquerque.
Both suspects were taken into custody on Monday, December 15.
According to an arrest affidavit, investigators believe the killings were premeditated and planned over the course of weeks or months. Authorities allege Munoz intended to seize his parents’ assets and financial holdings and believed his father owned an Allsups convenience store franchise, a chain operating hundreds of locations across Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico.
Prosecutors allege the plan called for Zamora to enter the residence through the garage during the early morning hours and shoot both victims while they slept.
Investigators also identified a second individual as a potential backup should Zamora fail to carry out the plan.
Police were dispatched to the Clovis residence at approximately 4:50 a.m. on December 15 after receiving a report of a possible burglary.
Upon arrival, officers found Munoz standing near the open garage.
According to police, Munoz told officers there was no emergency and attempted to dissuade them from entering the home, stating his parents were asleep.
Officers were eventually permitted inside the residence.
Investigators state that Munoz later emerged from a bedroom with blood on his hands.
Both Oscar and Dina Munoz had sustained gunshot wounds to the head. Dina Munoz was pronounced dead at the scene, while Oscar Munoz was transported to a hospital in Lubbock, Texas, where he later died from his injuries.
Munoz reportedly told investigators he was awakened by the sound of the garage door alarm but claimed he did not hear any gunshots.
Authorities noted that this account appeared inconsistent with the home’s layout.
Investigators also reported there were no signs of forced entry and no evidence that property had been stolen.
Additional evidence surfaced during the investigation, including statements from Munoz’s girlfriend, who told police he had previously discussed trading an AR-style rifle for another firearm.
Surveillance footage reportedly shows Munoz carrying a 9mm Glock handgun several hours before the killings. Investigators also confirmed that Munoz, Zamora, and others had recently purchased 9mm ammunition together.
Zamora was later arrested outside his residence, where authorities recovered a 9mm Glock handgun believed to have been used in the murders.
Investigators allege Zamora admitted that Munoz asked him to kill his parents.
Darren Munoz is charged with two counts of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, and solicitation to commit first-degree murder.
Julio Zamora faces two counts of murder and conspiracy to commit murder.
Both defendants have entered not guilty pleas as the case proceeds through the court system.