A New ‘20/20’ Reports on the Shocking Twists and Turns in Tragedy That Rocked a Texas Family

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 centered on faith and football. 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 their room. When police arrived, they found the murder weapon had been left behind along with a mysterious note that read, “I’ve been watching for a long time.” In a new “20/20,” ABC News chief national correspondent Matt Gutman has the first network interview with AJ, who was quickly identified as the prime suspect by authorities. AJ — who is facing a third capital murder trial after two hung juries — denies the charge and describes what he says really happened in the house that night, as well as his relationship with his parents and brother Josh, who his defense attorneys point to as a possible alternate suspect even though authorities have cleared him.

“20/20” also has interviews with key members of the Armstrong family, including AJ’s grandmother, Kay Winston, and sister, Kayra Armstrong, the only other person in the house that night; Kate Ober, AJ’s girlfriend who has stood by his side since his parents’ murders; and members of the defense team, who argue the prosecutors have zeroed in on the wrong suspect. In addition, the two-hour program includes never-before-broadcasted 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, Jan. 6 (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 Amy Robach. A proven leader as a long-form newsmagazine for over 40 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. EDT on ABC and are available to stream on ABC News digital platforms and Hulu.

ABC News Media Relations
Sarah Jautz
sarah.jautz@abc.com

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