A Michigan man has been charged in the shooting death of a Salvation Army volunteer outside a grocery store in Westland.
Rene Zambrana, 37, was charged Monday, Dec. 22, with premeditated first-degree murder and felony firearm in connection with the death of 47-year-old Alvin Echols.
Prosecutors say the shooting happened just after 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 18, at a Kroger on Ford Road. Echols was outside the store ringing a bell beside a Salvation Army donation kettle when Zambrana approached, authorities allege. Zambrana then fired multiple shots, striking Echols once in the chest.
Echols ran into the store and collapsed near the self-checkout area. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Zambrana fled and was arrested the following morning, according to authorities.
Investigators believe the shooting was not random. Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said in a statement that early assumptions about the case may not reflect what the evidence will ultimately show.
“As often is the case, actual facts emerge that are not a part of the original narrative,” 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 denied bond during his arraignment on Dec. 22 and pleaded not guilty.
A probable cause conference is scheduled for Dec. 30, followed by a preliminary hearing on Jan. 8, 2026.
