Insets, left to right: Rene Miguel Zambrana (Westland police) and Alvin Leon Echols (GoFundMe). Background: Kroger in Westland, Michigan, where Zambrana allegedly shot Echols to death (Google Maps).
The shooting took place just before 6:30 p.m. on Thursday at a Kroger in Westland, a suburb of Detroit. According to the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office, the victim, 47-year-old Alvin Leon Echols, was volunteering for the Salvation Army at the time. Police discovered Echols near the self-checkout area, suffering from a gunshot wound to his chest, and he was declared dead at the scene by medical personnel.
Investigators identified 37-year-old Rene Miguel Zambrana as the suspect who allegedly opened fire on Echols while he was engaged in his holiday bell-ringing duties for charity donations.
Authorities confirmed that Echols and Zambrana were acquainted, contradicting initial reports that suggested the incident was a random act of violence.
“As is often the case, emerging facts can shift the initial narrative. It’s regrettable that the early focus was on a perceived random murder of a Salvation Army volunteer during the festive season,” stated Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy. “The evidence indicates this was likely a complex issue rooted in an interpersonal relationship. Despite this, the allegations remain profoundly tragic and criminal.”
“As often is the case actual facts emerge that are not a part of the original narrative. It is extremely unfortunate that the focus has been that a Salvation Army volunteer was randomly murdered during the holiday season. The evidence will show that this was likely a complicated interpersonal relationship dispute. These allegations are nonetheless extremely tragic and criminal,” Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said in a statement.
Zambrana was arraigned on Monday on charges of first-degree murder and felony firearm. He pleaded not guilty. A judge denied him bond and he remains at the Wayne County Jail. The suspect has a probable cause conference set for Dec. 30.
A GoFundMe called Echols a “kind soul who dedicated time to helping others as a bell ringer for the Salvation Army.”
“He was a loving son, brother, and friend, and his absence leaves a void that cannot be filled,” the GoFundMe said.
