Man Charged In Shooting That Killed Salvation Army Volunteer At Metro Detroit Kroger: Prosecutor

WESTLAND, MI — A man has been charged in connection with a shooting that killed a Salvation Army bell ringer at a metro Detroit Kroger last week, according to the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office.

The shooting happened at the Kroger store on Ford Road near Central City Parkway in Westland at 6 p.m. last Thursday, prosecutors said.

Prosecutors said 47-year-old Alvin Echols, of Westland, was working as a Salvation Army volunteer near the store's entrance when he was shot in the chest.

He then stumbled into the store and collapsed near the self-checkout counter where he died, prosecutors said.

Rene Zambrana, 37, of Detroit, was charged with first-degree premeditated murder and felony firearm in connection with the shooting. His next court date is scheduled for Dec. 30.

Prosecutors said Zambrana walked up to Echols, as Echols was collecting donations and shot him. Zambrana then ran away from the store, before officers found him several hours later, prosecutors said.

Investigators believe the two knew each other and that this was a targeted shooting.

"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.