Former Miami Dolphins linebacker Antonio Armstrong and his wife, Dawn, were fatally shot in their Houston home early Friday, July 29, multiple outlets report. The couple’s 16-year-old son was taken into custody.
According to the Houston Chronicle, Dawn was found lifeless in the couple’s bedroom. Meanwhile, the Texas A&M Aggies alum was taken to Memorial Hermann Hospital in critical condition, where he died several hours later.
Shortly after the shooting, which took place at the Armstong’s residence in Palmetto at Mapleridge in the Bellaire area, their teenage son (who also made the 911 call) was apprehended and charged with capital murder.
“There was nothing left out, there was no neglect or anything, nothing that could even possibly justify the situation,” Dawn’s cousin, Vaun Lee, told KTRK. “This makes no sense. No sense.”
Two other children were in the home at the time of the shooting but neither was harmed..
“This was an outstanding family. The male of the family was an absolute hardworking breadwinner. He was an associate pastor in the area church. He’s a great guy,” Houston police homicide investigator Jimmy Dodson told KPRC2. “The mother was apparently a great mother, according to family members. Like I said, it was kind of the all-American family.”
According to the investigators the parents likely didn’t even see the attack coming, as there was no sign of forced entry into the home or struggle in the bedroom where his mother was discovered unresponsive.
“Antonio was a special young man. He was an All-American and an outstanding player, but he was an even better person. He was such a positive influence on his teammates. He always had a great big smile and was a joy to coach,” A&M head coach R.C. Slocum said in a statement on Twitter.
Family friend Scott Binkley also expressed shock and sadness over the Armstrongs’ deaths, describing the pair as pillars of the community. “Fantastic people. I have no idea why this would be happening to them,” Binkley told KPRC2. “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.”
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