Brookwood, Alabama — An investigation is underway after a University of Alabama student, her friend, and a dog were found shot to death inside a home where the two victims had been pet-sitting, authorities said.
The victims were identified as Jazmine Alexis Bates, 22, a University of Alabama student, and Jose Felix Alvarez-Duenas, 31, a restaurant employee and father of three. Both worked together at Buffalo Phil’s Wings, according to investigators.
Police have arrested 24-year-old De’Kendrick Crawford, who now faces a capital murder charge in connection with the case.
Welfare Check Led Officers to Gruesome Discovery
According to investigators, officers responded to a home in Brookwood, east of Tuscaloosa, after receiving a request for a welfare check.
Authorities said Alvarez-Duenas had been caring for a coworker’s dog while the homeowner was traveling outside the United States. Concern grew after he stopped responding to phone calls and text messages.
The homeowner also became alarmed after reviewing her home security cameras and reportedly noticing a suspicious person on the property.
When officers entered the residence, they immediately discovered Alvarez-Duenas lying dead near the front entrance.
“Immediately upon opening the front door, there was a deceased male lying on the floor that was identified as the person that was house-sitting for her,” Jack Kennedy of the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit said.
As officers searched the home, they found Bates dead inside a bedroom closet. The dog they had been caring for was also found dead inside the residence.
University Student Was Months Away From Graduation
Authorities said Bates was studying Business Administration and Management at the University of Alabama and was only five months away from graduating.
Friends and coworkers described both victims as hardworking and compassionate individuals whose deaths have devastated those who knew them.
Investigators said there is currently no evidence that either victim had done anything to provoke the attack, and officials have not determined a motive.
“We don’t know why he targeted them,” Kennedy said.
“They were not doing anything wrong. They had done nothing wrong to him… Nothing in our investigation has found that these victims in any way contributed to this; the motive is unknown.”
Police noted that the homeowner knew both victims as well as Crawford through work.
Suspect Arrested After Hours-Long Search
Investigators tracked Crawford to a relative’s apartment in Northport, approximately 22 miles from Brookwood, where he was located roughly 10 hours after the victims were discovered.
Authorities said Crawford attempted to avoid arrest by hiding inside the attic of the residence.
The arrest followed an extensive tactical operation involving drones, K-9 units, tear gas, and officers searching the home for several hours.
“After four hours of tactical operations including drones, tear gas, walls and doors being breached and attics being searched with K-9s… he cared more about himself than the victims,” Kennedy said.
Crawford has been charged with capital murder involving two or more victims, an offense that can carry life imprisonment without parole or the death penalty under Alabama law if convicted.
Family and Friends Remember the Victims
Following the tragedy, family members and coworkers shared emotional tributes honoring both victims.
Alvarez-Duenas’ loved ones described him as a devoted father, caring brother, and loyal friend who always put his children first and never hesitated to help others.
His sister said he was “so full of life and love” and someone who made a lasting impression on everyone he met.
Buffalo Phil’s Wings also remembered Alvarez-Duenas as “one of the hardest-working people you could ever meet,” while describing Bates as someone whose “bubbly personality could light up a room.”
Authorities continue investigating the case as they work to determine what led to the deadly shooting.
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