Crookston Family Demands Justice for Teejay Alvarez

CROOKSTON (trfnews.i234.me) — Family and friends of Teejay Alvarez marched Wednesday to demand justice following his death.

Supporters gathered outside the Polk County Courthouse on August 5, 2026.

They carried signs, photographs, and custom shirts during the “Justice for Teejay Walk.”

Alvarez, 31, was shot inside a Fosston apartment on June 8, according to investigators.

He died the following day at a Fargo hospital.

“I miss him every day,” said Alvarez’s mother, Maria Carrisalez. “I’ve been crying non-stop for my only son.”

Prosecutors Await Final Reports

Authorities arrested Cory Burnette Jr. following the shooting. He was later released from custody.

The provided case information does not indicate that criminal charges have been filed against Burnette.

The Polk County Attorney’s Office is awaiting additional information before deciding whether charges are appropriate.

Prosecutors said they need the final autopsy report and the completed law enforcement investigation.

More information about county government is available through the Polk County website.

For Alvarez’s family, the continued wait has been difficult.

“We’re just waiting and waiting,” said Gloria Hanks, Alvarez’s girlfriend. “It’s stressful.”

Family members said Wednesday’s march reflected their grief and frustration.

They want prosecutors to give the investigation priority and make a decision when the evidence is complete.

Enrique Carrisalez, Alvarez’s uncle, said the family believes the process has moved too slowly.

“It’s taking time. It’s very slow,” Carrisalez said.

The family also raised concerns about social media posts they say Burnette made following his release.

Relatives said some posts included references to self-defense and statements that Burnette was “still here.”

The family has saved those posts and provided them to local law enforcement.

The claims about the posts represent the family’s account and have not been independently verified.

Supporters said the Crookston walk may not be their final public demonstration.

Family members said they could hold rallies monthly until prosecutors announce a charging decision.

“I’m going to keep on fighting,” Maria Carrisalez said. “I am not backing down.”

The family has also organized an online “Stand with Teejay” petition.

The petition had collected more than 400 signatures, according to the information provided by the family.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.