The search continues for a man Blount County sheriff’s deputies believe shot and killed a bond recovery agent Tuesday morning.
Sheriff Mark Moon held a press conference Wednesday afternoon to take questions and provide an update on the investigation.
James Eastis, 73, was shot multiple times in the upper body with an AR-style rifle as he approached Francisco Sinecio-Alvarez at his home in Hayden, Moon said. According to information provided by detectives, the suspect’s bond had been revoked for an alleged crime committed in a different county in October 2025.
Moon said the victim’s body was discovered by people who came by the house to check on Sinecio-Alvarez after he didn’t show up for a job. Sinecio-Alvarez was not at the home.
Deputies developed information on Sinecio-Alvarez’s truck and asked the public to be on the lookout.
The truck was found abandoned at Galilee Missionary Baptist Church on Carver Avenue in southwest Birmingham. Inside the vehicle, detectives found the possible murder weapon. Moon said he believes the truck was parked at the church as early as 5 p.m. on Tuesday. He said it is likely someone picked him up and is currently assisting Sinecio-Alvarez.
U.S. Marshals and other law enforcement agencies are assisting in the case.
Moon said the sheriff’s office did not release information on the victim until after the family was notified. He also said some details had to be withheld to maintain investigation integrity.
“As the sheriff and as a law enforcement agency, we understand people want to know,” Moon said. “Again, we're not trying to hide information. We're just trying to do the very best we can to apprehend a murder suspect. Our most important thing in this investigation is to secure all evidence, to secure our suspect, so that we can get a criminal conviction.”
Sinecio-Alvarez is considered armed and dangerous. He is described as a Hispanic man, standing 5 feet 3 inches tall and weighing 190 pounds. Anyone with information can call the Blount County Sheriff's Office at 205-625-4127 or call 911. The public is urged not to approach him.
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