HOUSTON – It was a story that greatly impacted the Houston community; now, the family is hoping for justice for their 9-year-old daughter, Arlene Alvarez, more than three and a half years later.
PREVIOUS: Man accused in 2022 shooting death of 9-year-old Arlene Alvarez indicted for manslaughter
Tony Earls is facing a charge of manslaughter in the case. You may remember— Arlene was shot while riding in her family’s pickup truck in February 2022.
The trial is set to start on Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. at the Harris County Criminal Courthouse.
Police say Arlene was shot and killed while riding in the back seat of her family’s truck on February 14, 2022.
Police say at the same time, Tony Earls was robbed at gunpoint while getting money out of the drive-thru ATM at Chase Bank on Woodridge.
They say Earls fired his handgun at the robber, who was running away.
Police say the family was driving past the bank in their pickup truck when Earls fired several shots into the truck, killing the child.
Police had said that Earls did not initially know he had shot Arlene until he went home and called to report the robbery.
Just this year, a special prosecutor in the case says an expert determined Earls saw the robber run past the family’s truck — that he saw the truck wasn’t involved — and he was NOT justified when opening fire.
Arlene’s death struck a chord with the entire Houston community in 2022.
People came together for memorials, balloon releases, and one woman even painted a mural of her face.
We’ve talked to the girl’s parents multiple times in the last three and a half years — including at a memorial shortly after her death.
“It shows on everyone’s faces. She was a light. We’re glad, I guess I can say I’m glad I was her dad,” Arlene’s father said.
“It’s amazing how the community is backing us up and we feel really appreciate it,” her mother added.
After Earl’s first court appearance, I spoke to his wife on the phone, who said he was simply trying to protect them.
The trial is set to begin on Wednesday morning, first with opening statements.