A man accused of shooting and killing a 9-year-old girl during a robbery at a Houston ATM in 2022 has been indicted on a murder charge. Tony Earls, who has been a fugitive for about a year on an unrelated assault charge, has finally been charged in the death of Arlene Alvarez. The girl’s mother, Gwen Alvarez, expressed relief at the indictment, calling it the first step towards justice for her daughter. Authorities have issued an arrest warrant for Earls and are offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to his capture.
Earls’ previous attorneys have defended him as a family man who was devastated by Arlene’s death and was only protecting his family during the robbery. The incident occurred when Earls and his wife were at an ATM and were robbed of $20, along with other belongings, by an unidentified suspect who fled the scene. Earls’ attorneys claim that he fired back in self-defense after the robber pulled a gun on him, not realizing that he was shooting at the wrong vehicle. Unfortunately, Arlene and her family were in the car that Earls mistakenly targeted, resulting in the young girl’s tragic death.
The case took a turn when Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg appointed a special prosecutor, Warren Diepraam, to re-examine the evidence. Diepraam’s investigation, which included input from an FBI firearms expert, determined that Earls had fired recklessly into the Alvarez family’s truck without verifying his target. According to Diepraam, shooting recklessly into a vehicle voids any claims of self-defense or defense of property under Texas law. The Alvarez family has been commended for their patience and efforts in seeking justice for Arlene, with Ogg acknowledging their commitment to achieving closure through the legal process.
The indictment and ongoing legal proceedings have brought some sense of closure and relief to the Alvarez family, who have been living with the trauma of Arlene’s death for nearly two years. Gwen Alvarez emphasized the importance of never giving up on seeking justice for loved ones and expressed gratitude for the support they have received throughout the process. The case serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of reckless use of firearms and the importance of accountability in such situations. If convicted, Earls could face a maximum sentence of life in prison for his role in Arlene Alvarez’s death.
The tragedy highlights the complexities involved in self-defense cases and the need for careful consideration and verification of targets before using lethal force. The case has garnered attention for its legal implications and the potential consequences for individuals who use firearms in a reckless manner. The Alvarez family’s pursuit of justice has been met with support from the community and authorities, who are committed to ensuring that Earls is held accountable for his actions. As the legal proceedings continue, the family remains hopeful that they will finally see justice served for Arlene’s untimely and tragic death.
