WESTLAND, Mich. — A 47-year-old man working as a Salvation Army bell ringer was shot and killed Thursday evening outside a Kroger store on Ford Road, in what police say was a targeted attack, not a random act of violence. A teenage boy has been arrested in connection with the murder.
The victim, identified as Alvin Echols, was shot multiple times near the store entrance around 6:20 p.m. Disturbing witness accounts indicate the shooter pursued Echols into the store to continue the attack. Despite life-saving efforts by responding officers, Echols succumbed to his wounds.
A Family’s Anguish and Unanswered Questions
Echols’ grieving family spoke to reporters, struggling to comprehend the violence that took a man they described as a joyful friend-maker and a devoted uncle who played Santa at Christmas.
“They took my son away from me as he was working, working for the Salvation Army, going to church every Sunday,” said his mother, Mary Echols. “I’m very happy that they have a suspect because I can’t eat, I can’t sleep… What did he do to deserve killing him? Chasing him down and killing him?”
His sister, Amanda Stamper, painted a picture of a loving family man whose absence will devastate the holidays. “How do we have our kids wake up happy in the morning when they look forward to Uncle Peewee dressing up as Santa and bringing them gifts on Christmas Day? That’s completely taken away from us.”
Suspect Arrested, Motive Unclear
Westland Mayor Kevin Coleman confirmed the suspect is a teenage boy. The suspect was arrested Friday morning, though his identity is being withheld pending arraignment. Police have stated Echols and the suspect knew each other, but have not disclosed a possible motive for the shooting.
Community and Organizations React
Both The Salvation Army and Kroger released statements expressing profound sadness. The Salvation Army said it is “heartbroken” and working closely with police, while Kroger stated it is cooperating fully with the investigation.
The community has begun rallying around the Echols family, with a GoFundMe established to provide support. As the investigation continues, a family and a community are left to mourn a life cut short in a moment of senseless violence during what is meant to be a season of giving.