Man guns down Salvation Army bell ringer at Kroger who was volunteering for the holiday
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).
A Salvation Army volunteer was fatally shot Thursday evening outside a grocery store in suburban Detroit in what authorities say was likely the result of a personal dispute, not a random act of violence.
The shooting occurred shortly before 6:30 p.m. at a Kroger store in Westland, according to the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office. The victim, 47-year-old Alvin Leon Echols, was volunteering as a Salvation Army bell ringer at the time.
Police responding to the scene found Echols near the store’s self-checkout area with a gunshot wound to the chest. He was pronounced dead at the scene by medical personnel.
Investigators allege that Echols was shot by 37-year-old Rene Miguel Zambrana while Echols was ringing the Salvation Army donation bell, a familiar symbol of the holiday season. Authorities later determined that the two men knew each other, and officials say the shooting stemmed from a complicated interpersonal dispute rather than a random attack.
“As often is the case, actual facts emerge that are not a part of the original narrative,” Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said in a statement. “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.”
Zambrana was arraigned Monday on charges of first-degree murder and felony firearm. He pleaded not guilty. A judge denied bond, and he remains held at the Wayne County Jail. A probable cause conference is scheduled for Dec. 30.
A GoFundMe page created in Echols’ memory described him as a “kind soul” who dedicated his time to helping others through his volunteer work with the Salvation Army.
“He was a loving son, brother, and friend, and his absence leaves a void that cannot be filled,” the fundraiser stated.
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