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 HOUSTON — Antonio “A.J.” Armstrong Jr., the son of former NFL player Antonio Armstrong Sr., is preparing for another major court proceeding in the 2016 killings of his parents. Armstrong was convicted of capital murder in 2023 and sentenced to life in prison, but a recent Texas court ruling has reopened a legal battle that could determine whether he receives a fourth trial.

The case has drawn national attention since Armstrong’s parents, Antonio Sr. and Dawn Armstrong, were found shot to death in their Houston-area home in July 2016. Armstrong, who was 16 at the time, called 911 in the early morning hours and reported hearing gunshots. He has maintained his innocence.

New Hearing Set for October 2026

The latest development came in September 2026, when the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals rejected prosecutors’ attempt to stop a lower court from holding an evidentiary hearing on Armstrong’s request for a new trial. On Oct. 8, local station KPRC-TV reported that the hearing had been scheduled for Oct. 27.

The hearing is expected to examine defense claims concerning information that allegedly was not disclosed before Armstrong’s third trial. The dispute involves a complaint against a forensic expert who testified for the state.

The complaint reportedly concerned allegations of misconduct unrelated to Armstrong’s case. The defense argues that the information could have affected its ability to challenge the expert’s testimony. Prosecutors have disputed the defense’s arguments and have maintained that the evidence supporting Armstrong’s conviction was substantial.

The court’s decision allows the hearing to proceed, but it does not overturn the conviction or automatically grant a new trial.

The 2016 Killings and Initial Investigation

On July 29, 2016, Armstrong called 911 at approximately 1:40 a.m., reporting that he had heard gunshots from his parents’ bedroom. His younger sister was asleep elsewhere in the home.

Police found Antonio Sr. and Dawn Armstrong fatally shot in their bedroom. Investigators questioned Armstrong as they worked to reconstruct the events leading to the killings.

Antonio Armstrong Sr. had played professional football, including time with the Miami Dolphins, after playing college football at Texas A&M. The couple’s deaths shocked relatives and the Houston community.

Armstrong was arrested and charged with capital murder. The prosecution alleged that he killed his parents, while the defense challenged the state’s account and the evidence presented against him.

Three Trials Before Conviction of A. J. Armstrong

Armstrong’s first two trials ended with hung juries, meaning jurors could not reach unanimous verdicts. His third trial, which took place in 2023, lasted 11 days and included testimony from 31 witnesses.

After more than 10 hours of deliberations, the jury found Armstrong guilty of capital murder. He was 23 at the time of the verdict.

The conviction followed years of courtroom proceedings, conflicting interpretations of forensic evidence and emotional testimony from family members. Armstrong’s sister and paternal grandmother testified for the defense.

His attorneys said after the verdict that they intended to challenge the outcome. The defense has continued to pursue legal remedies, including the current effort to secure a new trial.

What Happens Next?

The Oct. 27 hearing will be an important step in determining whether Armstrong’s claims warrant further proceedings. The judge will consider evidence and testimony related to the disputed disclosure and forensic evidence.

If the court finds sufficient grounds for relief, Armstrong could receive another opportunity to challenge the charges at trial. If the court rejects his arguments, his conviction and life sentence could remain in place, subject to further appellate review.

The case illustrates how questions about forensic evidence, disclosure obligations and trial fairness can continue long after a jury reaches a verdict. For Armstrong, his family and the relatives of his parents, the next hearing could mark another significant chapter in a case that has stretched across a decade.