Teen double murder suspect gets ankle monitor while out on bond

Courtney Fischer Image
Thursday, April 13, 2017
Teen accused of parents' murders gets bond conditions

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Antonio Armstrong Junior was fitted for an ankle monitor Thursday morning, one of several bond conditions put in place by the judge.

Armstrong, who goes by AJ, agreed to house arrest and random drug tests while he is out of jail waiting for trial.

Wednesday afternoon, the 17-year-old bonded out of jail after being there for nearly nine months. Bond was set at $200,000.

RAW VIDEO: AJ Armstrong released from jail on bond

AJ Armstrong released from custody

He walked into court Thursday morning wearing a black suit, white shirt and tie, surrounded by his two attorneys, both grandmothers and grandfather. ABC 13 asked him if he wanted to say anything about the charges. Armstrong shook his head no.

One of Armstrong's two attorneys, Rick DeToto, talked about what's next for the teen.

"A.J. is grateful to be out," DeToto said. "He understands the seriousness of the situation. He's very grateful the judge allowed him to be out. Obviously, it's his first day back out of custody for almost nine months. He's spending time with his family and we're getting ready to prepare his defense."

Armstrong's second attorney, Chris Collings, stood by AJ's side as well.

The teen is charged with murdering his parents, Dawn and Antonio Armstrong. Antonio was a former NFL-player. Prosecutors say Armstrong shot them while they slept in their Bellaire-area home last July. The defense says an intruder killed the mother and father.

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

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