Ex-NFL player, wife allegedly shot and killed by son remembered at funeral

HOUSTONThe teenage son accused of killing former NFL and Texas A&M football player Antonio Armstrong and his wife was among thousands who gathered for a funeral Saturday to remember the couple.

Police say Antonio and Dawn Armstrong were shot and killed by their 16-year-old son in their Bellaire-area home last week.

Friends and family were joined by about 3,000 people, filling Windsor Village Church Family for the Armstrongs' funeral.

"I think that 3,000 persons there signifies the fact that there was a tremendous amount of love and respect for the entire Armstrong family," pastor Kirbyjon Caldwell said.

Antonio Armstrong's mother, who's a pastor at another church, helped lead the service.

Prosecutors said the couple's 16-year-old son shot and killed them at their home on Palmetto on July 29.

At the request of his grandparents, the teenager attended the funeral.

"I think he really, really appreciated the opportunity to be there and all things considered, he seems to be doing well," Caldwell said.

The couple's son remains in police custody and is charged with murder.

Prosecutors said the teen reported the deaths, telling the 911 operator that he was hiding in a third-floor closet after he heard gunshots coming from his parents' bedroom. Officers were greeted by him and his 12-year-old sister, who slept through the shootings.

Investigators found the couple shot to death in their bedroom with pillows over their heads, prosecutors said. Police also found a .22-caliber pistol that belonged to the family on the kitchen counter, along with a handwritten note. They would not disclose what was in the note.

Prosecutors said the teenager told police he saw someone wearing a mask in the house at the time of the shooting, but police investigators were unconvinced.  There was no sign of a break-in or a struggle.

The teen's attorneys insisted he's innocent.

According to NFL.com, Antonio Armstrong Sr. played one season for the Miami Dolphins in 1995. Previously, he was an All-American linebacker for Texas A&M.

The elder Armstrong also owned First Class Training and was a pastor at a local church.

A GoFundMe account has been set up to help raise money for the family. Click here to donate.


About the Author:

Reporter, family-oriented, sports fanatic, proud Houstonian.