When the Houston Police Department put handcuffs on AJ Armstrong’s wrists back in 2016, he had barely got his driver’s license. In the present day, he’s married, a father, and he’s still the person who murdered his parents, Dawn and Antonio Sr., according to the investigators. A couple of days ago, a Court began jury selection proceeding ahead of what will be A.J. Armstrong’s third capital murder trial. But why is it that this case is dragging through the system, adding drags to the already backlogged court system of the United States Justice Department?
As it seems, Armstrong keeps fighting for that “not guilty” verdict. But the Harris County District Attorney’s Office seems focused on getting a conviction, despite saying that trials aren’t supposed to drag on forever, keeping in line with what American law says about a speedy and fair trial. The delays in the AJ Armstrong case are one after the other, dozens of hearings, the Covid pandemic, and two trials later, there’s not a conviction. So, what’s up with that?
A.J. Armstrong’s Case
AJ Armstrong is the son to the late NFL Miami Dolphins linebacker Antonio Armstrong, who was found dead in his Houston home on 29 July 2016. That day, AJ Armstrong called 911 and reported hearing gunshots from his house, seeing someone with a mask run away. Still, he was arrested and charged with the murder of Antonio and Dawn because the investigators found no evidence of anyone breaking into the house, nor any activation of the security alarms that Armstrong had in his home. The cops think that AJ turned off the alarm so the cops could search the premises. There’s also the discovery of certain things that AJ can’t account for in his testimony.
What’s New In The A.J. Armstrong Murder Case?
It’s the third time Armstrong will face a jury of his peers for the alleged murder of his parents, Dawn and Antonio Sr. who were shot to death in their Southwest Houston home back in July 2016. Armstrong was arrested the same day his parents were found dead and he was sixteen years old at the time in what later became a long-running court battle for the man. His first trial didn’t start until March 2019 and it ended with a hung jury. Then, Armstrong had to stand trial again in October 2022, which also ended in a hung jury. By then, he was 22 years old, in a seven-year saga drawing international attention.
The Harris County District Attorney’s office has had a reduction in backlogged cases that went from 145,000 in June 2021 to 114,000 in the present year, a 21% drop, however, the Armstrong murder trial remains one of those cases. Even so, jury selection proceedings started this Tuesday, May 3 2023 early in the morning despite the requests for delays from both sides.
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Third Time’s A Charm
As the Harris County Court prepares for a third trial against AJ Armstrong in the murder of his parents, several things are in the way following the two previous mistrials. The complicating factors heading into this third court go-around include former jurors’ apparent past relationship with a prosecutor. And while a flurry of court findings might delay Armstrong’s trial, jury selection proceedings took place and after those proceedings, a court trial will be set for opening arguments.
Earlier this year, the Court system considered changing venues to trial Armstrong elsewhere, as the process of having two trials in the same place complicated picking an impartial jury that would hear the case. Still, the defense’s argument concerning the Fourteenth Amendment’s protection of Armstrong’s rights stood ground. With the jury selection process complete, the ultimate goal is to ensure a fair and impartial trial for Armstrong.
The Importance Of Jury Selection And A Fair Trial For Armstrong
To make sure that justice is served, it’s important to follow due process and consider all factors that can influence a case. This includes understanding the laws in place as well as how they apply to the situation at hand. Armstrong’s case is a good example to point out just how important is due process in the US legal system.
In the end, it’s a jury that gets to decide if Armstrong will be found guilty or innocent. However, before any verdict can be reached, a trial must take place —Armstrong has had two— and in that trial, the prosecution and defense have to present their evidence and state their case.
The jury selection process is an important part of the third trial. And jury selection involves choosing people who are unbiased, and who can make a fair decision. The goal is to ensure that Armstrong receives an impartial trial where his rights are respected and he receives justice.
Also Read: What Happened To A.J. Armstrong? Did He Kill His Parents?
