Bell-Ringer Volunteering for Salvation Army at Mich. Kroger Is Fatally Gunned Down By Christine Pelisek

A Michigan man is accused of fatally shooting a Salvation Army volunteer outside a grocery store.

Rene Zambrana, 37, was charged with premeditated first-degree murder and felony firearm on Monday, Dec. 22, in connection with the fatal shooting of 47-year-old Alvin Echols.

The incident occurred at a Kroger store on Ford Road in Westland just after 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 18.

According to prosecutors, Echols was outside the store ringing a bell by the Salvation Army donation kettle when Zambrana approached him. Zambrana fired multiple times, striking Echols once in the chest. Echols ran into the store where he collapsed near the self-checkout area. He died at the scene.

Zambrana fled the area and was arrested the following morning.

Authorities suspect the killing was not a random act.  

“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 obtained by PEOPLE. “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.”

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Zambrana was denied bond at an arraignment hearing on Dec. 22. He entered a plea of not guilty.

A probable cause conference is scheduled for Dec. 30, and will be followed by a preliminary hearing on Jan. 8, 2026.