Jurors have ruled a second mistrial in the capital murder case against Antonio “A.J.” Armstrong Jr., who is accused of killing his own parents when he was just a teen.
A.J., who is 22 years old now, is facing life in prison, with eligibility for parole after 40 years. The death penalty is not a consideration due to the fact that he was only 16 years old when the crime was committed.
Prosecutors intended to show that A.J. was embroiled in conflict with his parents over failing grades and poor behavior. They said that the murders were committed by someone who was already inside the home, claiming that neither the burglar alarm system nor any other evidence showed signs of forced entry.
“In 2,264 days, law enforcement has done almost nothing to investigate Josh,” said A.J.’s defense attorneys during opening statements. “We believe that the evidence will show you that that’s confirmation bias.” The defense said, in contrast, A.J. had a great relationship with his parents and showed pictures to jurors to try and display that.
The lieutenant said the doors and windows to the home didn’t appear breached and that a pistol and a note were on the kitchen counter. Jurors then heard from a retired Harris County hearing officer who testified that she read A.J. his rights and had him read the rights himself, give his interpretation, and then initial each line.Lastly, the seventh witness in the trial took the stand. That crime scene officer with the Houston Police Department testified his job was to document the scene and collect and preserve the evidence.
Kayra further testified that, on the night of the murders, she recalled being picked up and driven home by A.J. and he seemed normal. She said she was later awakened by A.J. when police were at the door. Prosecutors interviewed a digital forensics investigator with the Harris County District Attorney’s Office. Evidence was presented showing, on the night of the murder, A.J. sent himself text messages pretending to threaten “Blake,” reportedly someone who spoke ill of his girlfriend.
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