Where is AJ Armstrong Now? Convicted Killer
On July 29, 2016, the quiet of a Bellaire-area home on Palmetto Drive was shattered by gunfire. At 1:40 a.m., 16-year-old Antonio “AJ” Armstrong Jr. dialed 911, reporting gunshots in his parents’ room. Hiding in his closet, he expressed concern for his younger sister, Kayra, asleep on the second floor.
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The Armstrong Family: Before the Tragedy
The Armstrongs appeared to be a model American family. Antonio Sr., an ex-NFL player and motivational speaker, and Dawn, a devoted mother, had three children: Josh, Antonio Jr., and Kayra. Their life in Houston revolved around faith, family, and football, with Antonio Jr. showing promise as an athlete.
Before the tragedy, tensions were rising within the Armstrong household. Antonio Jr. had been expelled from Kinkaid, a prestigious private school, for substance abuse and dishonesty. Josh, too, faced challenges, having dropped out of college and exhibiting signs of mental distress.
The Night of the Tragedy
The police found Antonio Sr. and Dawn Armstrong shot in their bed, covered with pillows. Dawn succumbed to two gunshot wounds, while Antonio Sr., despite immediate medical attention, could not be saved.
A chilling note was discovered near the murder weapon in the kitchen, heightening the mystery. “I HAVE BEEN WATCHING YOU FOR A LONG TIME. COME GET ME.”
Investigation and Immediate Aftermath
No signs of forced entry raised suspicions, leading to Antonio Jr. and Kayra’s immediate detainment. The police also secured Antonio Jr.’s older brother, Josh, whose erratic behavior following the incident raised concerns.
Kayra Winston, Antonio Sr.’s mother, was among the first to arrive at the crime scene. She was shocked to see her grandson, Antonio Jr., treated as a suspect, suggesting drugs might be involved if he was guilty.
The Trials: Evidence and Defense
The prosecution presented compelling evidence, including cell phone and alarm records, suggesting Antonio Jr.’s movement in the house at the time of the murders. Defense efforts to pin the crime on Josh were undermined by his mental health records, showing severe deterioration following his parents’ deaths.
The legal proceedings against Antonio Jr. were prolonged and complex, spanning over seven years and three trials. In August 2023, he was finally convicted of capital murder and sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 40 years. His conviction was based on a combination of physical evidence, cell phone records, and suspicious activities leading up to the murders.
Current Status
Antonio “AJ” Armstrong Jr. is currently incarcerated in the Robertson Unit, a prison facility in Abilene, Texas. This location is about a six-hour drive from Houston, west of Dallas. His time in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice system has seen him transferred to different facilities, with the Robertson Unit being his current assignment.
