The trial of Tony Earls, charged with manslaughter in the 2022 shooting death of 9-year-old Arlene Alvarez, has started in Houston more than three years after the incident. Jury selection was completed, and opening statements began on Wednesday with testimony expected to follow. Police said Earls was robbed at an ATM and fired shots, mistakenly hitting the Alvarez family’s pickup truck where Arlene was inside. Her father said, “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,” and her mother said, “It's amazing how the community is backing us up and we feel really appreciate it,” according to Click2Houston.
In 2022, Tony Earls was charged with aggravated assault, but a grand jury did not indict him. In 2024, after new evidence was found by a team working for the Alvarez family, he was charged again. Last month, the Harris County District Attorney's Office dropped the murder charge and filed a manslaughter charge instead, as reported by KHOU.
The Houston community has held memorials for 9-year-old Arlene Alvarez, including balloon releases and a mural in her honor. After Tony Earls’ first court appearance, his wife told Click2Houston that he was trying to protect them during the incident. Houston police said Earls realized he had shot Alvarez only after returning home and calling to report the robbery. In court, a special prosecutor presented expert testimony stating Earls saw the robber run past the Alvarez family’s truck, showing the vehicle was not involved and that he was not justified in firing.
