HOUSTON – KPRC 2 Investigates has learned through sources one of the original twelve jurors was excused for personal reasons. That means one of the four alternates is moving into the jury of 12 to hear the case, leaving the court with three alternate jurors.
Armstrong Jr. is accused of killing his parents, Dawn and Antonio Armstrong Sr. in July 2016.
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In two previous trials, 24 jurors did not agree to convict or free Armstrong Jr. The hung juries resulted in mistrials.
The Harris County District Attorney’s Office decided to try the case a third time.
During an opportunity to learn about potential jurors called voir dire, the council and the judge interviewed three jury pools during the month of May. With more than 200 potential jurors, they decided to move on with 16 beginning on June 5th.
On the day of the third trial, the case was pushed because of an ‘issue outside the court’s control.’
According to several KPRC 2 Investigates sources, the trial was pushed back due to new DNA evidence after Armstrong’s shirt, pants, and a Houston Police Department visitor sticker were recently tested. It was the main topic during KPRC’s multiplatform show ‘The Bench’.
Judge Kelli Johnson opted to decide on the new evidence hearings during the trial that is now expected to begin on July 31.
If convicted Armstrong Jr. faces life in prison with parole eligibility after 40 years.