Teen Charged In Murder Of His Mother, While His Father, Former NFL Player, Fights For His Life


A Houston teen has been charged in the shooting murder of his mother, while his father, an ex-NFL player, fights for his life. Antonio Armstrong and his wife, Dawn, were found in the bedroom of their Houston home, near Bellaire. Two of the couple’s three children were at home at the time of the shooting, according to police. Neither of the children were hurt. Their 16-year-old son was held by police for questioning in the murder of his mother. Dawn Armstrong was pronounced dead at the scene. Her husband, Antonio Armstrong, remains at Houston’s Memorial Hermann Hospital in critical condition with a gunshot wound to the head. According to a report from KPRC Channel 2, a family member told them he’s been declared brain dead, but still alive.

The Houston Police Department says there is no history of domestic violence between the couple. They said they’ve never been called to the home prior to this horrific murder and attempted murder. Antonio Armstrong is a husband, father, a pastor, and former NFL player. Houston police homicide investigator Jimmy Dodson gave a statement to KPRC Channel 2.

“This was an outstanding family. The male of the family was an absolute hard working breadwinner. He was an associate pastor in the area church. He’s a great guy. The mother was apparently a great mother, according to family members. Like I said, it was kind of the all-American family.”

Others spoke highly of the family as well. Houston’s ABC13 says they featured Dawn in a segment a few years ago when she was making a quilt for her son who was going away to college. He was the couple’s oldest son. In addition to him and the 16-year-old teen charged in the shooting, the Armstrongs have a daughter. A close friend of the family’s, Scott Binkley, spoke to Channel 2.

“Fantastic people. I have no idea why this would be happening to them. He was one of A&M’s top 25 athletes. Served the Lord. Worked in the community. Did nothing but help people constantly. We are just shocked at what happened. Antonio grew up in the inner city. We minister to inner city kids. And he was one of the kids that stayed focused. He knew Jesus Christ as his Lord and savior. He moved on with his life and just accomplished things that you couldn’t believe.”

Antonio Armstrong was a motivational speaker, former professional football player, and physical fitness trainer. His family runs First Class Training, a gym in Bellaire. Antonio’s motivational speeches can be found on YouTube; the most recent one was posted just last week. He played football for Texas A&M and then was a linebacker for the Miami Dolphins in 1995. He coached the Southwest Football League for 10 years. He has been an avid proponent of healthy lifestyles.

Investigators said there was no sign of forced entry into the home and no signs of struggle in the bedroom where the couple was found. A motive for the murder has not yet been reported. A source involved in the investigation said the 16-year-old teen was the one who called 911. The same source revealed to ABC13 that a note was found by the gun, which read,”I’ve been watching you.”

The 16-year-old son is not being named due to his juvenile status. According to the Harris County District Attorney’s office, he is being charged in connection with the double murder. A GoFundMe account has been started to help raise money for the family. At the time of this report, $5,045 had been raised of the $50,000 goal.

Update: Texas A&M has announced that Antonio Armstrong has succumbed to his injuries, according to an article by Bleacher Report.

[Photo from Armstrong Family GoFundMe page]

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