Police find two men dead with student after routine welfare check reveals disturbing details about killer's motives.

Tuscaloosa police revealed disturbing details about the man accused of killing a University of Alabama student, a father of three, and the dog he was pet-sitting. Authorities confirmed that De'Kendrick Crawford, 24, knew all victims through prior work connections. The tragic discovery occurred on Monday in Brookwood after officers conducted a routine welfare check at the residence. They found Jazmine Alexis Bates, 22, shot to death alongside Jose Felix Alvarez-Duenas, 31, who was caring for his friend's pet. Surveillance footage from doorbell cameras identified Crawford as the individual present during the crime. Investigators noted that Crawford had already been on police radar due to a previous felony warrant. Captain Jack Kennedy of the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office stated the group worked together at a local business and socialized in the past. Despite these bonds, no evidence has yet surfaced to explain the motive for the senseless killings. The suspect remains silent, invoking his right against self-incrimination during interviews. Crawford previously faced charges for firing shots at an occupied building near Coleman Coliseum last month. He was terminated from a construction contract job before driving away and discharging weapons. Law enforcement tracked him for weeks until he surrendered after a prolonged standoff. Officials describe the incident as random, noting his limited criminal history surprised acquaintances. Investigators now examine electronic devices to uncover potential reasons behind the cold-blooded attack on these neighbors.

Tuscaloosa County Sheriff Captain Jack Kennedy confirmed that suspect Crawford has maintained his right to remain silent while refusing communication with detectives, according to police reports. The investigation began after the owner of the pet-sitting dog belonging to Alvarez-Duenas could not reach him late on Sunday night and into Monday morning. Unable to contact her employer, she accessed surveillance cameras remotely and discovered disturbing footage showing a man acting suspiciously on the victim's back porch during the early hours of the day, prompting her to notify her landlord and request an immediate police investigation.

Upon arrival, officers found Alvarez-Duenas deceased immediately upon opening the front door. A subsequent search of the residence revealed the body of Jazmine Bates in a closet; she had been fatally shot, as were her dog and Alvarez-Duenas. Surveillance analysis identified Crawford as the perpetrator. Authorities soon located him at a relative's apartment where he refused to depart. Following four hours of intensive tactical operations involving drones, tear gas, and K-9 units breaching walls and attics, Crawford surrendered. Captain Kennedy stated that the suspect gave up solely because he valued his own life over that of his victims and realized officers entering the attic would defend themselves if confronted.

Crawford was arrested ten hours after the discovery of the bodies. He is currently detained in the Tuscaloosa County Jail without bond and has not yet entered a plea. In addition to murder charges, he faces an existing warrant for allegedly shooting at an occupied building on the University of Alabama campus. Authorities indicated that further charges are likely as the investigation expands. Alvarez-Duenas served as the sole caregiver and provider for her three children, aged four, nine, and ten. Bates, who was scheduled to graduate from the university in December, was remembered by friends and family as a reliable, selfless individual whom one could always depend on.

In response to the tragedy, a University of Alabama spokesman extended deepest sympathy to Bates's family, noting that staff have reached out to offer support. A representative for Buffalo Phil's restaurant, where the victims worked together and allegedly met Crawford, expressed profound sorrow, describing the employees as family whose kindness and dedication will never be forgotten. To assist Bates's family with funeral expenses and transportation costs from Chicago, a GoFundMe campaign has been established, featuring tributes to her character as someone who was always willing to help others without hesitation.

Law enforcement officials confirmed that suspect Crawford was acquainted with both his alleged victims and the homeowner through shared employment at a local restaurant before the tragic killings occurred.

Simultaneously, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to assist Alvarez-Duenas's family by covering funeral expenses and offering essential financial aid for his three young children, who relied on him as their sole provider.

The father was remembered as the best dad imaginable, consistently prioritizing his daughters' needs while ensuring they felt deeply loved and secure within their home environment.

Beyond his role as a parent, he served as a cherished friend to many in the community, a devoted son, and a caring brother to his six sisters.

Friends noted that Felix never met a stranger and would always extend a helping hand or offer kind words to anyone seeking assistance during times of need.