Close-knit family, stress, careers: Here’s why 5 jurors were dismissed during final selection in AJ Armstrong trial
Before choosing the 12 jurors and four alternates who will ultimately decide the fate of AJ Armstrong, the man who faces his third trial in the murders of his mother and father in 2016, five jurors were dismissed before noon.
Santa Fe evidence bill headed to Gov. Abbott’s desk week before 5th anniversary of mass shooting
One week before the fifth anniversary of the Santa Fe High School mass shooting, relatives of those killed and wounded are celebrating a hard fought victory at the state capitol. A bill that will allow family members of crime victims to see certain pieces of evidence prior to trial is headed to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk for his signature.
Sentencing trial begins for Houston-area high school football coach convicted in wife’s 1999 death
The sentencing trial has begun for a former Houston-area high school football coach convicted twice of fatally shooting his pregnant wife during what authorities say was a staged burglary more than 24 years ago.
‘It’s not moving quick’: Nearly 800 people charged with murder or capital murder in Harris Co. jail are waiting for trial
A new legislation proposal hopes to address the backlog of court cases statewide by prioritizing murder and capital murder cases. If passed, the law would mandate judges to take up those cases first.
Man accused in 2019 shooting death of HCSO deputy Sandeep Dhaliwal during traffic stop fires attorney, will represent himself in trial: Officials
The trial for a man accused of fatally shooting Harris County sheriff’s deputy Sandeep Dhaliwal during a traffic stop in northwest Harris County three years ago begins Monday.
Andre Jackson sentenced to life in prison for murder of 11-year-old Josue Flores
The jury has reached a verdict in the case of a man charged in the murder of 11-year-old Josue Flores. Andre Jackson has been found guilty. Closing arguments wrapped up around noon on Tuesday, and it took less than a few hours for the verdict to be returned.
Harris County estimates at least 2 years to make a ‘significant’ dent in criminal case backlog
Tens of thousands of criminal cases remain backlogged in the Harris County criminal justice system; leaving victims and the accused waiting longer and longer for their day in court. Even the most optimistic estimate from the Harris County Budget Management Department shows it could takes two years to make a significant dent in the backlog.
Houston religious leaders stand in solidarity with Black pastors after attorney makes racist statement in Arbery’s killing trial
Pillars of the Houston community are now standing in solidarity with a group of Black pastors who are supporting the family of Ahmaud Arbery, a 25-year-old unarmed black man who was killed while jogging in Brunswick, Georgia.
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Man known as ‘Uncle Al’ sentenced to life in prison for child sex crimes, Harris County Dist. Attorney says
A Houston man has been sentenced to life in prison without parole for sex crimes against four children including those he knew from church, according to the Harris County District Attorney’s Office.
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Charged Santa Fe High gunman to remain in state hospital for another year
FILE - In this Feb. 25, 2019 file photo, Dimitrios Pagourtzis is escorted by Galveston County Sheriff's Office deputies into a courtroom at the Galveston County Courthouse in Galveston, Texas. Court records show as that period of time was ending, doctors at the hospital informed the court Pagourtzis’ competency was not likely to be restored within the next 90 days. Judge Ellisor is expected to sign another order for Pagourtzis to remain at North Texas State Hospital for 12 more months. Ad“The Court recently received, and transmitted to the State and Defense, a report from the North Texas State Hospital that Dimitrios Pagourtzis remains incompetent to stand trial. AdIn state court, Pagourtzis is considered an adult but his age at the time of the shooting prevents him from receiving either the death penalty or life without parole.
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Despite guilty verdict, families continue to fight for the release of imprisoned oil executives
A Venezuelan judge recently found six oil executives guilty of corruption charges in a case that began in November 2017. Family members of the former Citgo executives were stunned by the verdict and vowed to continue fighting for the men’s release. In the letter, Zambrano appeared optimistic the trial would show none of the men did anything wrong. (KPRC)Forseth said a single judge rendered verdict and punishment at the conclusion of a trial where access was tightly controlled. We continue to pray for them and their families and hope for a resolution that will lead to their prompt release.
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Houston jury trials, jury duty continue to be suspended through January 2021
HOUSTON – All jury trials and jury duty continues to be suspended through Jan. 31, 2021 due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, according to Houston officials. The City of Houston Municipal Courts Department said in a news release that the court remains open for all other proceedings. Visit the Municipal Courts' website at www.houstontx.gov/courts for continued updates on all court locations and hours of operation. If your jury trial was scheduled from September 1, 2020 to January 31, 2021, resets will continue to be given in person at all City of Houston court locations. For additional announcements and information please call the City of Houston Helpline at 3-1-1, or 713-837-0311 if outside of the City of Houston, or visit the Municipal Courts website at www.houstontx.gov/courts.