Overview
- Rene Miguel Zambrana, 37, was charged with first-degree murder and felony firearm in the Dec. 18 shooting of Alvin Leon Echols, 47.
- Echols, a Salvation Army volunteer, was shot near a Red Kettle outside the Ford Road Kroger, ran inside, collapsed by self-checkout, and died at the scene.
- Zambrana was arraigned on Dec. 22, denied bond, and a not-guilty plea was entered on his behalf.
- A probable cause conference is set for Dec. 30, followed by a preliminary hearing on Jan. 8, 2026, as the investigation continues.
- Authorities say the victim and defendant knew each other; Zambrana was arrested the morning after the shooting and faces a potential life sentence if convicted.