In the quiet community of Hayden, Alabama, the morning of February 10, 2026, was shattered by an act of violence that claimed the life of 73-year-old James A. Eastis. A bond recovery agent by profession, Eastis was at a residence on Harris Road attempting to execute a bond revocation on Francisco Sinecio-Alvarez. It was during this attempt that he was shot and killed.
His body was later discovered inside the home by individuals who had come to check on Sinecio-Alvarez after he failed to show up for work.
The immediate aftermath of the shooting launched a multi-agency manhunt for Sinecio-Alvarez, who had fled the scene. Authorities identified the suspect's vehicle as a light blue and white Ford F-150, which was later found abandoned at a church in southwest Birmingham. Inside the truck, investigators discovered a rifle believed to be the weapon used in the shooting. The Blount County Sheriff's Office described Sinecio-Alvarez as a Hispanic male, 5 feet 3 inches tall, and weighing 190 pounds, and warned that he should be considered armed and dangerous.
As the search for the primary suspect continued, an arrest was made in connection with the case. Christian Perez-Reyes, 25, was taken into custody and charged with tampering with physical evidence. He is being held in the Blount County Jail as authorities continue their investigation into his involvement. A warrant for murder has been issued for Francisco Sinecio-Alvarez, and law enforcement agencies, including U.S. Marshals, are actively searching for him. A reward of $10,000 has been offered for information leading to his arrest.
James Paul Eastis was a lifelong resident of Mulga, Alabama, where he and his wife of 55 years, Sandra, built their family. He is remembered by his children, Jamie and James, as well as his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The community has been left to grapple with the sudden and violent loss of a man who was a familiar face in his profession and a beloved figure to his family.
