What Happened to Antonio Armstrong? NFL & Homicide Details
Antonio Armstrong Sr. grew up in a church-raised family in Houston’s Fifth Ward. His journey from Texas A&M to the NFL and eventually the CFL was marked by significant achievements. He married Dawn, adopted her son Josh, and had two more children, Antonio Jr. and Kayra. The family’s life revolved around faith, family, and football, with both sons actively involved in sports.
Early Years & College Football, NFL and CFL
His journey began at Kashmere High School, leading him to sign with Texas A&M, where his football prowess became evident. In the 1994 Cotton Bowl Classic against Notre Dame, Armstrong’s exceptional performance earned him Defensive Player of the Game honors, a testament to his eight tackles and three sacks. His senior year saw him achieve AP All-America honors, a culmination of his hard work and talent, evidenced by 62 tackles, including 17 behind the line of scrimmage. His prowess on the field made him a semifinalist for the prestigious Butkus Award and secured his place as a two-time All-SWC selection.
Armstrong’s professional career commenced in the National Football League when the San Francisco 49ers drafted him in the sixth round of the 1995 NFL Draft. However, a fractured ankle during training camp redirected his path to the practice squad. His time with the 49ers was brief, leading to his release and subsequent signing with the Miami Dolphins’ practice squad. Armstrong’s tenure with the Dolphins was marked by his active roster placement and participation in four games, wherein he recorded four solo tackles. His NFL journey continued with the St. Louis Rams, but he was released post-training camp, marking the end of his NFL career.
In 1998, Armstrong transitioned to the Canadian Football League, signing with the British Columbia Lions. His impact was immediate and profound, securing a starting position for two seasons. His trade to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 2000 further accentuated his football acumen, earning him the title of Winnipeg’s defensive player of the year and an East Division All-star. On October 15, 2000, a fractured left ankle challenged his career, leading to his retirement in 2002 due to ongoing physical limitations and a contract dispute.
The Tragic Events
On July 29, 2016, the Armstrong family faced a harrowing tragedy. Antonio Armstrong and his wife, Dawn, were shot in their Houston home. Dawn was pronounced dead at the scene, while Antonio succumbed to his injuries later. The prime suspect in this heinous crime was their 16-year-old son, AJ (Antonio Armstrong Jr.), who faced murder charges.
Before the tragic incident, the Armstrong family faced challenges. Antonio Jr. struggled academically and with disciplinary issues, while Josh faced his own difficulties, including marijuana use and a decline in mental health. The family dynamics were strained, leading to increasing tensions and culminating in the devastating events.
The legal proceedings were prolonged and complex, with the first two murder trials ending in mistrials due to the juries’ inability to reach unanimous verdicts. In 2023, a third trial, which delved into the alarm system data and newly discovered DNA evidence, concluded with AJ Armstrong’s conviction. He was found guilty of murdering both his parents and sentenced to life in prison, with parole eligibility after 40 years.
