Case Update: Jury Convicts Axel Armando Zuniga-Rivera in 2023 Homicide

Published on December 16, 2024

A jury has convicted Axel Armando Zuniga-Rivera, 22, of Kalamazoo, on charges of first-degree murder, felon in possession of a firearm, and two counts of felony firearm in connection with the 2023 shooting death of 24-year-old Marcell Savon Alguarelles-Bell. The verdict was delivered on Friday, December 13 following a thorough investigation by the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety (KDPS) and the dedicated work of the Kalamazoo County Prosecutor’s Office. Mr. Zuniga-Rivera is set to be sentenced on January 10, 2025, at 1:30 PM.

On August 26, 2023, KDPS officers responded to a shooting in the 1600 block of E. Stockbridge Avenue. Upon arrival, officers located Mr. Alguarelles-Bell suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite immediate medical care and transport to a local hospital, Mr. Alguarelles-Bell succumbed to his injuries.

Before his passing, Mr. Alguarelles-Bell was able to identify Mr. Zuniga-Rivera as the individual who shot him. Following the incident, Mr. Zuniga-Rivera fled Michigan and was apprehended in Indianapolis on September 7, 2023, through coordinated efforts with local and federal law enforcement. He was later extradited to Michigan to stand trial.

“It is our hope that this verdict brings some measure of justice to the family of Mr. Alguarelles-Bell, though we know no court decision can truly heal their loss,” said Captain Danielle Guilds, head of KDPS’s Criminal Investigations Division. “We are grateful to our detectives, the Prosecutor’s Office, and the community members who stepped forward to assist in this case. Their efforts demonstrate the importance of collaboration in holding those who commit violent acts accountable.”

KDPS remains committed to addressing gun violence in our communities and encourages anyone with information about violent crimes to come forward. “If you witness a crime or have information that could help resolve an investigation, your voice can make a difference,” added Captain Guilds.

KDPS extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Alguarelles-Bell and stands with them as they continue to navigate the pain of this tragic loss.

By authority of: Public Information Officer Zach Hamelton