HARRIS COUNTY, Texas – A 33-year-old man is facing charges of murder for the fatal shooting of 9-year-old Arlene Alvarez in the Gulfgate area in 2022, announced the Harris County District Attorney’s Office on Wednesday.
The tragic incident occurred as Arlene and her family were on their way to get pizza on Valentine’s Day. According to police reports, Tony Earls Jr. was involved in a robbery at a Chase Bank when he fired shots at the fleeing robber. Unfortunately, the shots struck the passing pickup truck of Arlene’s family, resulting in her death.
Initially, Earls was arrested and charged with aggravated assault, but a grand jury in Harris County chose not to indict him in July 2022, leading to his release. However, the district attorney’s office recently reassigned a special prosecutor to review the case, resulting in Earls being indicted for murder.
The special prosecutor, Warren Diepraam, stated that expert opinions suggest Earls had a clear view of the robber running past the Alvarez family’s vehicle, with no justification to shoot into the passing truck. The investigation is ongoing to identify and apprehend the initial robber involved in the incident.
If convicted of murder, Earls could face a sentence ranging from five years to life in prison. This development has sparked renewed interest in the case, shedding light on the tragic consequences of the violent encounter that took the life of a young girl.
The community continues to mourn the loss of Arlene Alvarez, a reminder of the devastating impact of gun violence and the importance of seeking justice in such cases. As the legal process unfolds, many are hoping for a resolution that honors Arlene’s memory and brings closure to her grieving family.