Crime
18-Year-Old Jose Antonio Alvarado Charged with Murder After Man Found Dead in Jefferson County House Fire
JEFFERSON COUNTY, AL — Authorities have confirmed that a man found deceased inside a burning home in Graysville was the victim of a homicide, and an 18-year-old from Elkmont has now been arrested in connection with the case.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office announced Friday that Jose Antonio Alvarado, 18, has been charged with murder and second-degree arson in connection with the deadly fire.
The identity of the victim has not yet been released by the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office, as officials continue working to confirm next of kin.
The incident began on Sunday night, when firefighters from Graysville and Adamsville responded to a reported structure fire in the 500 block of Seventh Avenue S.W. at approximately 9:30 p.m.
Upon arrival, first responders found the home fully engulfed in flames.
After the fire was brought under control, emergency crews discovered the body of a male victim inside the residence. He was pronounced dead at the scene at 10:17 p.m.
Detectives from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, along with agents from the Alabama State Fire Marshal’s Office, were called in to investigate.
Following several days of inquiries, Alvarado was taken into custody on Thursday.
He was booked into the Jefferson County Jail at 6:05 p.m. and is currently being held without bond.
Authorities have not yet disclosed the specific circumstances surrounding the victim’s death or a potential motive for the crime.
The case remains under active investigation.
This incident marks the 48th homicide in Jefferson County so far in 2025.
Anyone with information that could assist investigators is urged to contact the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office at 205-325-1450, or provide anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.
MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Authorities have confirmed that a suspect is in custody following a shooting incident at the Meridian Mall on Friday afternoon.
As a result, the lockdown at the mall has been lifted.
The Meridian Township Police Department issued a public advisory just before 2:00 p.m., urging residents and shoppers to avoid the area near the Dick’s Sporting Goods entrance while officers conducted an active investigation at the scene.
At this time, police have not released specific details regarding the nature of the shooting, including whether anyone was injured or the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s arrest.
Law enforcement officials continue to investigate the incident and are expected to provide additional information as it becomes available.
The public is asked to remain clear of the immediate area to allow for the ongoing investigation.