A University of Alabama student, along with her friend and a dog, was found dead in a home where she was supposed to be pet-sitting. The homeowner spotted a suspicious figure in the backyard through a security camera.
The victims, Jazmin Alexis Bates, 22, and Jose Felix Alvarez-Duenas, 31, were reportedly killed by Dekendrick Crawford, 24, in Brookwood, Alabama, on Monday, according to reports.
The bodies were discovered after authorities conducted a welfare check when Alvarez-Duenas, who worked in a restaurant, failed to respond to calls and texts.
Alvarez-Duenas, a single father of three, was watching a co-worker’s dog overseas. The owner grew worried when she couldn’t get in touch with her pet sitter.
Upon checking her security footage, she saw Crawford on her balcony, which raised her concerns.
When police forced entry into the home, they found Bates, Alvarez-Duenas, and the dog. The Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit stated that upon opening the door, they immediately saw a male body on the floor, identifying him as the house sitter.
Investigators later located the second deceased person, Bates, a Chicago native who also worked with Alvarez-Duenas.
She was only five months from graduating with a degree in business administration.
Crawford fled to a relative’s apartment in Northport, roughly 35 miles away, and was arrested about ten hours after the bodies were discovered. Authorities found him hiding in the attic.
“Despite a lengthy tactical operation involving drones and tear gas, he did not surrender easily,” a police official remarked, expressing frustration over Crawford’s lack of concern for his victims.
The motive behind the shootings remains unclear, leaving detectives puzzled as to why these particular restaurant workers were targeted.
“We just don’t get it,” an investigator said. “They did nothing wrong to him. Even those close to him struggle to understand the reasoning.”
However, the homeowner reportedly had associations with both Crawford and the victims through their work.
Crawford faces charges for capital murder, which in Alabama carries severe penalties, including the possibility of the death penalty.
In the wake of this tragedy, friends and family shared fond memories of the two victims. Alvarez-Duenas was remembered as a devoted father who prioritized his children and was known for his kindness and willingness to help others.
His sister described him as a charismatic person, filled with life and love. “He was a light to everyone he met,” she added.
One of his co-workers expressed that Alvarez-Duenas was incredibly hardworking and that Bates had a vibrant personality that brightened any space.
“Her loss is truly heartbreaking as she had so much ahead of her,” the report concluded.
