‘20/20’ Documents Case of Son’s Trial for Killing His Parents After Two Hung Juries

Antonio Armstrong — a former NFL player turned successful business owner — and his wife, Dawn Armstrong, raised what seemed to be a picture-perfect Texas family. But on a fateful night in July 2016, everything changed when their then-16-year-old son AJ called 911 and reported that he heard gunshots from his parents’ room. When police arrived, they found Dawn dead and Antonio fighting for his life — a fight he soon lost — and authorities singled out AJ as the prime suspect. Almost a decade later, the case has gone to trial twice, each time ending in a hung jury. However, bombshell new evidence, previously overlooked, upended the case and finally brought a legal resolution.

In a new “20/20,” ABC News chief national correspondent Matt Gutman takes viewers inside AJ Armstrong’s third murder trial and provides an inside look at the evidence that went undiscovered for seven years. The episode includes interviews with Harris County prosecutors John Jordan and Ryan Trask, retired Houston Police Department Detective Jimmy Dodson, defense attorneys Rick Detoto and Chris Collings, and AJ Armstrong, in which he denies any involvement in the murders and describes what he claims really happened in the house that night.

“20/20” also has interviews with key members of the Armstrong family, including AJ’s grandmother, Kay Winston; sister, Kayra Armstrong, the only other person in the house that night; and Kate Ober, AJ’s wife, who has stood by his side since his parents’ murders. In addition, the two-hour program includes police footage of the crime scene, audio of the 911 call and audio of the initial police interview with AJ, in which he maintains his innocence. “20/20” airs Friday, Dec. 15 (9:01-11:00 p.m. EST), on ABC, next day on Hulu.

ABC News’ “20/20” is an award-winning primetime program anchored by David Muir and Deborah Roberts. A proven leader as a long-form newsmagazine for over 45 years, “20/20” features unforgettable, character-driven true-crime mysteries, exclusive newsmaker interviews, hard-hitting investigative reports and in-depth coverage of high-profile stories. Janice Johnston is the executive producer. The two-hour “20/20” events air Fridays from 9:01-11:00 p.m. EST on ABC and are available to stream on ABC News digital platforms and Hulu.

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Sarah Jautz
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Bridgette Maney
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