Houston Court Orders New Hearing in AJ Armstrong's Murder Case
The 14th Court of Appeals has mandated a new hearing to consider AJ Armstrong's motion for a new trial amid concerns about undisclosed information involving a prosecution witness.
Background of the Case
AJ Armstrong was convicted in 2023 for the 2016 murder of his parents. At the time of the incident, Armstrong was 16 years old. His case in Houston attracted significant attention, especially given that his two prior trials resulted in hung juries, raising questions about the fairness of the third trial.
Concerns Leading to New Hearing
The court is reviewing claims tied to a prosecution expert whose undisclosed background has caused controversy. Armstrong's appellate attorney stated:
"Had my trial counsel known that he would have made a different decision."
This refers to information not shared with the defense about the prosecution witness, which could have impacted the trial outcome. Although previous allegations of evidence tampering were dismissed, the defense argues the failure to disclose critical information warrants reconsideration of the case.
Upcoming Proceedings
A hearing is scheduled before January 6, 2026, to evaluate Armstrong's appeal.
Attorney Rick DeToto expressed gratitude for the court's decision, stating:
"We are very thankful that the court has granted us this opportunity. We look forward to presenting our evidence to the trial court to show that this information should have been disclosed by the state."
Harris County prosecutors affirmed their intent to continue defending Armstrong's conviction for the deaths of Antonio Sr.
Author's Summary
AJ Armstrong's murder conviction is under renewed review due to undisclosed prosecution witness information, prompting a new hearing to ensure trial fairness.