HOUSTON - A jury has sentenced Tony Earls Jr. to 20 years with no fine after he was found guilty of manslaughter in the death of 9-year-old Arlene Alvarez. The punishment phase of the trial began on Wednesday with Earls and Arlene Alvarez's mother, Wendy, taking the stand to speak.

In 2022, Arlene Alvarez was shot by Earls on Valentine's Day while in her family's vehicle. Earls believed he was shooting at a man who had just robbed him.

Jury deliberations in the trial following closing arguments on Tuesday and reached a verdict an hour later.

FOX 26 will be in the courtroom as the sentencing phase continues.

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Tony Earls Jr. trial: Punishment phase of trial to continue on Thursday

Tony Earls Jr. was found guilty of manslaughter in the death of 9-year-old Arlene Alv

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