UA Murder Arrest
Police Arrest Suspect in Killings of University of Alabama Student, Friend, and Dog
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A University of Alabama student, her friend, and a dog were found shot and killed inside a Tuscaloosa home where the student had been pet-sitting, according to WBTV. The victims were identified as Jazmine Alexis Bates, 22, and Jose Felix Alvarez-Duenas, 31. Police arrested a suspect within days of the discovery.
De'Kendrick Crawford, 24, was taken into custody after police tracked him to a relative's apartment, WSMV reported. Investigators used doorbell camera video and other physical evidence to identify him as the suspect. No motive has been announced.
Two Victims Found Dead During Pet-Sitting Visit
Jazmine Bates, a 22-year-old University of Alabama student, had been staying at the home to care for a dog, according to WAFB. She was found dead inside, along with her 31-year-old friend Jose Felix Alvarez-Duenas. The dog was also killed. Police have not said when the bodies were discovered or how long they had been there.
The shootings took place inside a private residence in the Tuscaloosa area, KCRG reported. Authorities have not released details about how Bates and Alvarez-Duenas knew each other or why they were both at the home that night.
Doorbell Camera Footage Led Police to Suspect
Investigators identified De'Kendrick Crawford, 24, as the suspect using doorbell camera video and physical evidence gathered at the scene, according to WNEM. Police located him at a relative's apartment and took him into custody without incident. Formal charges have been filed in connection with the double homicide.
The quick arrest came after what appeared to be a targeted investigation, KPTV reported. Authorities have not said whether Crawford knew either victim or what may have triggered the attack. The case remains under active investigation.
University of Alabama Offers Support After Student's Death
The University of Alabama confirmed Jazmine Bates was a current student and expressed condolences following her death, according to WABI. The university announced it is offering counseling and mental health support resources to students and staff affected by the tragedy.
Campus communities across the country have faced grief in recent years following violent deaths of students off campus, Western Mass News noted. The university has not released details about Bates' field of study or her year at the school.
No Known Motive as Investigation Continues
Police have not established a motive for the killings, according to WNDU. It is unclear whether the crime was random or targeted. Detectives have not said if Crawford had any prior connection to the home, the homeowner, or either of the victims.
The homeowner, who was away at the time and had hired Bates to look after the dog, has not been named publicly, MySuncoast reported. Investigators have not said whether additional suspects are being sought in the case.
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