CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (WOAI/KABB) — The Uvalde school shooting trial intensifies this week as witnesses step forward to recount the chaos inside Robb Elementary and the role of former Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District Police officer Adrian Gonzales.
The first week of the trial was emotionally intense, with jurors and family members confronted with graphic crime scene and autopsy photos, as well as firsthand accounts from teachers who survived the attack that killed 19 children and two teachers in May 2022.
Last week, the courtroom heard from retired DPS troopers and crime scene investigators who documented the aftermath of the shooting. One DPS official described photographing the classroom where all students were killed, noting “bullet defects everywhere,” and pointing out the desk where children were instructed to hide. The prosecution showed jurors images the defense had sought to keep out of the trial, including autopsy photos and other crime scene evidence, underscoring the severity of the attack.
A photo shows the gunman entering Robb Elementary on the day of the shooting. (SBG{ } San Antonio)
Teachers took the stand to recount harrowing experiences inside the school. Amy Franco, publicly blamed in the past for allegedly leaving a classroom door open, described mentally preparing to confront the gunman while gunfire erupted nearby. Another teacher recounted being shot through her classroom window and shielding students on the floor while reassuring them. Nicole Ogburn testified about seeing a man in black outside the school, pointing a gun toward the playground and described a moment when a child crawled onto her back to find comfort amid the chaos.
Stephanie Hale’s recorded interview with DPS was also played, showing discrepancies with her courtroom testimony, which led the defense to request a mistrial. The judge ultimately denied the mistrial and instructed jurors to disregard the DPS interview, emphasizing that inconsistencies can occur when recalling traumatic events.
Looking ahead, a wide range of witnesses could appear this week. The state issued 75 subpoenas, though not all witnesses are expected to testify. Potential witnesses include Gonzales’ former coworkers at Uvalde CISD, Uvalde police officers, DPS officials, school district leaders, active shooter training experts, and medical professionals.
Arnulfo Reyes, the only survivor from Room 111, is scheduled to testify on Monday. Months after the shooting, Reyes spoke about his injuries and the delayed police response, saying, “For them not to do anything, it’s mind-blowing because they had a lot of time.” His testimony is expected to provide a deeply personal account of the events in the classroom.
Court proceedings will continue as jurors hear from additional teachers, DPS officials, and experts who will provide context and insight into the decisions made during one of the deadliest school shootings in Texas history.
National Headline
