A.J. Armstrong’s defense argues the state is blocking transparency, saying prosecutors misrepresented facts and law to avoid a public evidentiary hearing in his murder appeal.

The Harris County District Attorney’s Office has asked Texas’ highest criminal court to block a new hearing in the A.J. Armstrong case, arguing the appellate court exceeded its authority in ordering a possible retrial in the 2023 double-murder conviction.

Defense attorney Rick DeToto has made the pink blanket a symbol of what he says is Armstrong Jr.’s innocence.

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.

The third trial in the case against A.J. Armstrong, the man accused of killing his parents while they slept at their home in 2016, will be held, as planned, in Harris County, according to officials.

Pre-trial motions began Wednesday in the case against Antonio “A.J.” Armstrong, the man accused of shooting and killing his parents at their southwest Houston home six years ago.

A judge ruled a second mistrial Wednesday after a jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict in the capital murder case against Antonio “A.J.” Armstrong Jr., who was accused of killing his parents in 2016.