HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The trial of Tony Earls, the man accused in the shooting death of a 9-year-old girl on Valentine's Day 2022, began Monday with emotional testimony and graphic evidence.

On Feb. 14, 2022, Arlene was riding in her family's truck on the way to get pizza when she was struck by a bullet during a chaotic scene near an ATM on Woodridge in the Gulfgate area. The shooting occurred after Earls and his wife were robbed at gunpoint while attempting to withdraw cash. Prosecutors allege Earls fired at the fleeing suspect and then directed his gunfire toward the Alvarez family's passing vehicle.

Prosecutor John Jordan told jurors this was not a case of a stray bullet, but a reckless and deliberate decision.

"This is not a matter of the defendant shooting at the robber and m

See Full Page