Trial date set for teen accused of killing parents

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- A trial date has been set for Antonio Armstrong Junior, the teen accused in the 2016 murder of his parents.

AJ was only 16 when his parents, Dawn and Antonio Armstrong, were found shot in their Bellaire-area home last year in July.

Antonio was a former NFL player. Prosecutors said their son shot the couple while they were sleeping.

The defense said an intruder killed the mother and father.

AJ will stand trial as an adult.

He was not in Thursday's court hearing, and his attorneys refused to say what his defense strategy will be.

AJ was fitted for an ankle monitor in April as one of several bond conditions put in place by the judge.

AJ agreed to house arrest and random drug tests while he is out of jail waiting for trial.

HOW DID WE GET HERE? TIMELINE OF EVENTS IN THE CASE:

• July 29, 2016 - Antonio and Dawn Armstrong were found shot dead inside their Bellaire-area home. Hours later, their son, AJ, was charged with their murders.

• November 2016 - A judge refuses to release AJ Armstrong out on bond.

• January 2017 - Family of AJ Armstrong continues to support the teen and reiterates their belief that he is innocent.

• March 8, 2017 - Judge certifies AJ Armstrong as an adult in the shooting deaths of his parents.

• April 11, 2017 - A judge sets bond for $200,000 in the case.

• April 12, 2017 - AJ Armstrong is released on bond after nearly nine months in jail.

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