WESTLAND, Mich. – A 37-year-old man is facing murder charges in the deadly shooting of a Salvation volunteer outside a Westland grocery store.
---> ‘Unbelievable’: Westland community reacts after Salvation Army bell ringer killed, suspect arrested
The shooting happened just after 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025, at the Kroger near the intersection of Ford Road and Central City Parkway.
First responders found 47-year-old Alvin Leon Echol inside the store with a gunshot wound to the chest. He died at the scene.
The suspect had fled the store before the police arrived, leading to a manhunt across a section of Wayne County. The suspect was identified and arrested Friday, Dec. 19.
Rene Miguel Zambrana was charged with first-degree murder and felony firearm on Monday, Dec. 22. He was denied bond.
Police believe Echol and Zambrana knew each other.
According to authorities, Echol was volunteering as a Salvation Army bell ringer outside the Kroger when Zambrana fired multiple shots, striking him in the chest. Echols reportedly ran into the store and collapsed.
If convicted, Zambrana faces the possibility of spending the rest of his life behind bars.
The Salvation Army released the following statement on Friday, Dec. 19:
“The Salvation Army is profoundly heartbroken by the incident that took place last night between two individuals in Westland which resulted in a tragic loss of life. We hold all those affected in prayer, asking for comfort and peace for the individual involved, their loved ones, and the Westland community.
As a faith-based organization, we lean on God’s presence during this time and are working closely with the Westland Police Department as they investigate. We respectfully ask that the privacy of the individual and their family be honored. All further questions should be directed to the Westland Police Department."
Lt. Col. Steve Merritt, Divisional Commander, The Salvation Army Great Lakes Division