HOUSTON — The capital murder trial for a teen accused of killing his parents inside their southwest Houston home in July 2016 started Friday.
Antonio Armstrong Jr. was 16 when prosecutors say he shot and killed his father, former Texas A&M and pro linebacker Antonio Armstrong Sr., and his mother, Dawn Armstrong.
The case has drawn headlines around the country.
During Friday’s jury selection in the 178th Criminal District Court, about a quarter of the diverse panel of 120 prospective jurors told Judge Kelli Johnson they had seen the case on the news.
Judge Johnson told potential jurors the trial could last up to a month. Judge Johnson is permitting cameras only during opening statements, closing arguments, and the verdict. However, she did not allow cameras in the courtroom Friday.
Both Armstrong and his family members declined to make a statement beforehand. Once jury selection was underway, Armstrong was attentive and took notes as each side tried to size up any potential biases and objections in the jury pool. Prosecutors asked prospective jurors extensively about whether they would need “beyond a reasonable doubt” to convict, whether they could convict without knowing a motive, and whether circumstantial evidence was enough to convict.
Prosecutors say Armstrong shot his parents in their bedroom the morning of July 29, 2016. However, the 19-year-old blames an intruder.
His lawyers accuse the DA’s office of withholding evidence for 18 months. The evidence is reportedly an audio recording from a woman regarding death threats against Armstrong’s dad, Antonio Sr.
Friday’s 120 potential jurors will eventually become 14 final jurors: 12 main and two alternate.
Prosecutors are trying Armstrong Jr. as an adult. However, because of his age at the time of the crime, a conviction will mean automatic life in prison with a minimum of 40 years to be eligible for parole.
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