Houston, Texas – Tony Earls has been arrested and charged with murder in connection to the tragic death of 9-year-old Arlene Alvarez, who was fatally shot on Valentine’s Day in 2022.
Earls, 33, is currently being held at the Harris County Jail with a bond set at $100,000 for the murder charge. Additionally, he is facing a family violence charge with a bond of $40,000 attached to it.
The incident occurred when Earls, who was robbed at gunpoint at a Chase Bank in Gulfgate, opened fire as the robber fled the scene. Tragically, the Alvarez family was passing by at that moment, and Arlene was struck by gunfire, resulting in her death.
Initially charged with aggravated assault, Earls was released after a grand jury declined to indict him in July 2022. However, the Alvarez family’s persistent efforts to gather new evidence led to a murder charge being brought against him.
Special prosecutor Warren Diepraam re-examined the case earlier this year, bringing in an FBI firearms expert to analyze the physical evidence and surveillance footage. It was determined that Earls was aware the Alvarez vehicle had no connection to the robbery.
Diepraam praised the Houston Police Department for their dedication to continuing the investigation and gathering evidence, even after Earls was initially not indicted. The authorities are also working to identify and apprehend the individual who robbed Earls.
If convicted of murder, Earls could face a sentence ranging from five years to life in prison, according to the District Attorney’s Office. The community awaits justice for young Arlene Alvarez as the legal proceedings unfold.