Houston, Texas (KTRK) – Jury selection to try 22-year-old AJ Armstrong murder has ended.
A total of 15 people – nine women and six men – were chosen to serve on the jury to decide Armstrong’s fate. Armstrong is accused of killing his parents inside their home in West Houston when he was 16 years old.
Of the 15 people, three are women on duty.
Armstrong faces life in prison with the possibility of parole after 40 years if convicted.
Jury selection lasted three days and began with approximately 300 potential jurors.
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On Thursday, prosecutors and defense attorneys had the opportunity to explain what was significant in the premeditated murder case without delving into evidence or facts.
Attorney General John Jordan took time to identify the “circumstance evidence,” explaining why it was so strongly considered in the case. Jordan also asked every potential juror in the room, about 150 people, whether or not they needed to hear a possible motive for a verdict.
In Texas, prosecutors don’t have to give a motive, Judge Kelly Johnson reiterated.
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When defense attorney Rick Ditoto’s turn came, Ditoto wrapped Armstrong in a blanket, apparently appearing to be “wrapped in a cloak of innocence” until the state proved him guilty.
Ditoto spoke of the state bearing the “burden of proof,” explaining the weight of the burden by throwing a 20-pound backpack in front of prosecutors. “If they’re trying to put AJ in prison for the rest of his life, they have to prove it,” Ditoto said.
After the jury was selected, DeToto spoke with Eyewitness News, saying, “I’m not worried about what (the state) said. That’s the evidence they’re giving.” Prosecutors declined to comment.
Armstrong’s trial is scheduled to begin in the capital on Tuesday.
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