Gunman accused of killing University of Alabama student, dad of three, and dog he was pet sitting knew his victims: cops

A tragic incident unfolded in Brookwood, Alabama, as a gunman allegedly killed a University of Alabama student, a father of three, and a dog inside the home they were pet-sitting. The suspect, identified as De’Kendrick Crawford, was known to his victims as a former co-worker, according to the authorities.

Jazmine Alexis Bates, 22, and her friend Jose Felix Alvarez-Duenas, 31, were found dead in the Brookwood residence on Monday. Bates and Alvarez-Duenas, who worked together at a Tuscaloosa restaurant, were discovered inside the property after the homeowner, who was overseas at the time, noticed someone suspicious on her back porch through her home security cameras.

Captain Jack Kennedy of the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office revealed that the suspect was an acquaintance of the victims and the homeowner, as they had all worked together at a local business in the past and socialized together. Alvarez-Duenas, a single father to three children, and Bates were colleagues at Buffalo Phil’s restaurant in Tuscaloosa. Bates was on track to graduate from the University of Alabama in December.

The crucial security camera footage played a significant role in the identification process of the suspect. Bates and Alvarez-Duenas were found deceased shortly after the homeowner initiated a welfare check due to her inability to reach Alvarez-Duenas. The bodies of the victims were discovered in different parts of the house, with Alvarez-Duenas found in the living room and Bates in a closet in the back bedroom.

Crawford was not present at the scene when law enforcement arrived but was later apprehended at a relative’s apartment in Northport, approximately 22 miles away from Brookwood, following an hours-long standoff. Despite the intense tactics used by the police, Crawford was eventually taken into custody.

The motive behind the heinous crime remains unclear, as investigators are still trying to determine why Crawford targeted his former co-workers. Kennedy emphasized that the victims had done nothing wrong to provoke such a violent act, and their acquaintances are baffled by the tragic events.

Prior to the incident, Crawford was wanted in connection with a firearm offense dating back to May, where he allegedly fired shots at a building on the University of Alabama campus. He had been terminated from his job at the university and opened fire from his vehicle as he drove away, causing damage to a building near Coleman Coliseum.

Crawford appeared in court on Wednesday to face capital murder charges and the firearm offense. He was denied bond and could potentially face additional charges such as animal cruelty, according to law enforcement officials. The community is left mourning the loss of Bates, Alvarez-Duenas, and the innocent dog as they seek justice for the senseless tragedy.