ABC 20/20 “All American Murder” December 15 2023 Preview & Case Details
Antonio Armstrong, a former NFL player turned successful business owner, and his wife, Dawn Armstrong, appeared to have a perfect family life in Texas. However, their lives took a tragic turn in July 2016 when their 16-year-old son, AJ, called 911 to report gunshots from his parents’ room. When the police arrived, they found Dawn dead and Antonio gravely injured. AJ became the prime suspect in this shocking case. Despite two previous trials resulting in hung juries over almost a decade, new, previously overlooked evidence emerged, reshaping the legal proceedings.
In an upcoming episode of “20/20,” ABC News chief national correspondent Matt Gutman takes viewers into AJ Armstrong’s third murder trial and explores the long-ignored evidence. The episode features 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 himself. AJ maintains his innocence and shares his perspective on what happened that night.
“20/20” also includes interviews with key members of the Armstrong family, such as AJ’s grandmother Kay Winston, sister Kayra Armstrong (who was present in the house that night), and Kate Ober, AJ’s wife, who has supported him throughout this ordeal. The two-hour program offers viewers insights through police footage of the crime scene, audio from the 911 call, and audio from AJ’s initial police interview.
This episode of “20/20” will air on Friday, December 15, from 9:01 PM to 11:00 PM EST on ABC.
What Happened to Dawn Armstrong, Antonio Armstrong & AJ Armstrong?
In July 2016, a tragic event shattered the seemingly perfect family of former NFL player Antonio Armstrong Sr. and his wife Dawn. Their 16-year-old son, Antonio Jr. (AJ), called 911 in the early hours of the morning, reporting gunshots from his parents’ bedroom. When the police arrived, they found Dawn deceased and Antonio Sr. gravely injured. AJ was hiding in his closet, and his younger sister, Kayra, was downstairs.
Despite efforts to save Antonio Sr., he succumbed to his injuries. A chilling note was discovered near the crime scene, which read, “I HAVE BEEN WATCHING YOU FOR A LONG TIME. COME GET ME.” Investigators found no signs of forced entry.
Antonio Jr. became the prime suspect, and he made a disturbing comment during the 911 call, muttering, “It’s all my fault.” He was taken into custody, and his older brother, Josh, was kept away from the scene.
The Armstrong family had once been a model of success, with Antonio Sr. achieving a career in the NFL and Canadian Football League and later becoming a motivational speaker. He met Dawn at church, and they adopted Josh before having two more children, Antonio Jr. and Kayra.
However, leading up to the murders, family dynamics began to unravel. Antonio Jr. struggled academically and was accused of drug use and dishonesty. Josh also faced difficulties in college and was reportedly smoking marijuana regularly. The parents had a strained relationship with Antonio Jr., which was documented in text messages where Dawn expressed her disappointment and frustration.
In contrast, Josh shared a close bond with Dawn and appeared to be turning his life around with her support. However, two days before the murders, Antonio Jr. set fire to the family home and fired the murder weapon into the floor of his bedroom, covering the hole with socks.
Antonio Jr.’s conduct during the 911 call raised suspicions, and the evidence seemed to point toward him. Phone records indicated that he was active in the house before making the call, and alarm records showed no unauthorized entry. Defense attorneys argued that Josh should be considered an alternate suspect due to his deteriorating mental health.
After two mistrials over seven years, Antonio Jr. was finally convicted of capital murder and sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 40 years. He continues to maintain his innocence and has filed an appeal.
