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.
Coffee County, Ala. — A homicide investigation is underway after a fatal shooting at a residence near Kinston on Monday morning, authorities confirmed.
According to Coffee County Sheriff Scott Byrd, deputies responded at approximately 7:51 a.m. to a reported shooting along County Road 483, just off County Road 89 in the Kinston area.
Upon arrival, law enforcement discovered a deceased individual at the scene.
Officials later indicated the shooting stemmed from a domestic dispute between two individuals, though additional details have not yet been released.
Authorities identified the suspect as Joseph Levi Jackson, who was wanted in connection with the shooting death of his father.
Jackson was initially reported to have fled the scene on foot and was considered armed and dangerous.
The search involved multiple agencies, including the Coffee County Sheriff’s Department, Covington County Sheriff’s Office, Geneva County Sheriff’s Office, and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), including troopers and State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) agents.
State tracking dogs were deployed as part of the coordinated search effort, particularly near Hattaway Road and Charolais Road, off Covington County Road 89.
Jackson was last described as wearing a black and red flannel shirt, blue jeans, and a black baseball cap.
Law enforcement urged residents not to approach the suspect and to contact 911 with any information.
Following an intensive search, Sheriff Byrd confirmed that Jackson was located and taken into custody without further incident.
Authorities have not yet announced formal charges but confirmed that the investigation is being led by ALEA.
The suspect’s temporary flight prompted Kinston School to delay its opening on Monday morning. School officials later announced a full closure for the day out of an abundance of caution.
In a statement, school administrators thanked local law enforcement for their swift and professional response, emphasizing that the safety of students, staff, and families remains their top priority.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue processing the scene and gathering additional information.