HOUSTON - A murder charge has been dropped against a 2022 robbery victim-turned-shooting suspect, but he is facing another charge in this incident.

Houston Arlene Alvarez shooting: Murder charge dropped against Tony Earls Jr.

What we know:

A murder charge was dropped against Tony Earls Jr. for the shooting death of 9-year-old Arlene Alvarez.

However, court documents show a grand jury indicted him on a manslaughter charge on July 31, 2025.

A judge denied reducing Earls' bond on Wednesday.

Arlene Alvarez shooting: Legal back-and-forth since 9-year-old's death

Timeline:

The shooting happened in February 2022 . Authorities say Earls shot at Arlene's family's car, thinking it was carrying the person who had just robbed him at an ATM.

In July 2022 , a grand jury decided not to indi

See Full Page