AJ Armstrong Case: Grim evidence takes center stage in Houston courtroom at murder retrial

HOUSTON, TX (KTRK) — Prosecutor John Jordan held up a black pistol as he walked slowly in front of 15 jurors: the gun AJ Armstrong allegedly used to shoot and kill his parents, investigators say.

AJ was just 16 when his parents, Dawn and Antonio, were found murdered in their bedroom in 2016. They had each been shot once in the head while they slept in their southwest Houston home.

On the third day of AJ’s murder retrial, the state introduced multiple physical evidence. Court observers saw shell casings and bullets, as well as a note left next to the gun on the kitchen counter that read, “I HAVE BEEN GOING FOR A LONG TIME” scrawled in capital letters.

WATCH: Watch full video of attorneys on both sides presenting opening statements in Houston courtroom

HPD Sgt. Jimmy James, a CID officer, was on the witness stand for more than an hour detailing photos he took of the outside and inside of the Armstrong home in the early hours of July 29, 2016, after Dawn and Antonio became Sr shot dead at her home in southwest Houston.

For the second time during this retrial, we saw an emotional AJ as he bowed his head and appeared to cry as prosecutors showed the jury photos of Dawn and Antonio at the crime scene.

RELATED: ‘I Didn’t Do It:’ Accused Killer AJ Armstrong Tells His Story

Jordan held up a large strip of carpet that had been cut out at the top of the stairs and that James said had a burn mark on it. Investigators have long said AJ attempted to start a fire at one point and burn the house down, though it’s not clear if that was allegedly before or after the murders.

The day ended just as the defense had their chance to challenge and question James’ photos and evidence collection.

WATCH: Full uncut interview with AJ Armstrong

Earlier in the day, we heard a recording of AJ reading his rights from a Harris County hearing officer. Because AJ was 16 at the time, the officer said it was common practice to read a youth his rights without police in the room so as not to intimidate or pressure a child.

The officer is heard several times over to AJ, “I want you to feel comfortable asking me about anything you don’t understand.”

Towards the end of the recording, AJ is heard saying, “I’m really up to date on everything, no one has told me anything. How is my father?” The officer replies that she doesn’t know.

Both prosecutors and defense attorneys declined to comment at the end of the day. The fourth day of negotiations will continue on Friday at 9 a.m.

FAMILY DESTROYED: The AJ Armstrong Murder Trial

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