WESTLAND, Mich. (WXYZ) — A suspect has been charged after allegedly shooting and killing a man working as a Salvation Army bell ringer at a Kroger Store in Westland last week.
The victim has been identified as 47-year-old Alvin Echols, who was shot several times and collapsed inside the store. Officers tried to render life-saving aid, but he succumbed to his wounds.
Rene Miguel Zambrana, a 37-year-old Detroit man, appeared in court today. Per Westland officials, he has been charged with first-degree premeditated murder and felony firearm. Bond was denied for both offenses.
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Prosecutors say the murder may have stemmed from a "complicated personal dispute." The victim's family tells 7 News Detroit they've had a decades-long connection with the suspect.
Zambrana is set to appear in court next week and then again in January. He offered holiday wishes to a loved one before he was taken to the Wayne County jail following today's hearing.
Sgt. Erik Monson with Westland police says Zambrana confessed.
"Under Miranda, Rene stated he observed Alvin in front of Kroger on Ford Road earlier in the day on the 18th, and he returned with a firearm to shoot Alvin, which he did," Monson said.
"I can't believe you took my brother away. I can't believe you would do this to my mom, somebody who loved you," Echols' sister Amanda Stamper told 7 News Detroit, saying Zambrana was a family friend they've known for decades.
RAW VIDEO: Family speaks out as suspect charged in man's murder
"We talk all the time. This man claimed to love us. You knew. I lost my baby, you knew my mama already lost a child, yet you chose to murder my brother at Christmas, so every time we see a Christmas tree, we get to think my brother died around a bunch of strangers who didn't love him, a bunch of people that didn't know him," Yoland Echols said. "He was my brother, and you didn't have the right to steal his life."
Police say Zambrana was identified as a suspect shortly after the shooting last Thursday and was arrested Friday morning during a traffic stop. Following his arrest, officers searched Zambrana's home and, investigators say, found the gun used in the shooting.
Zambrana's family declined to comment on the case.
