Prosecutors on Tuesday rested in the trial of former Uvalde school police officer Adrian Gonzales, accused of neglecting his duty to stop a gunman during the tragic Robb Elementary School attack in 2022.
The prosecution's case has presented gripping testimonies, showing the emotional and chaotic scenes from that horrific day, where 19 students and two teachers lost their lives.
In the final stages of the prosecution’s case, they called a state investigator who shed light on Gonzales’ actions leading up to the attack. Gonzales has pleaded not guilty to 29 counts of child endangerment, facing a potential two-year sentence if convicted.
As the trial continues, jurors remain focused on the distressing accounts from witnesses, which reveal the raw emotional toll of the event. Teachers recounted the harrowing moments as the shooter entered the school, and emotional testimonies from parents affected by the shooting stirred strong reactions in the courtroom.
Gonzales’ defense has begun to unfold, with his lawyers aiming to counter claims made by the prosecution. They called a witness who testified about seeing the gunman attempting to conceal himself, suggesting Gonzales never had a direct view of the shooter.
Throughout the trial, the prosecution has aimed to demonstrate the grave consequences of Gonzales’ inaction, arguing that every second counted during the active shooter situation.
The case has drawn significant attention as it marks a rare instance where a police officer faces charges for failing to protect lives amid such a crisis.
As both sides prepare for closing arguments, the emotional weight of the trial serves as a constant reminder of the lives lost and the impact of the tragedy in Uvalde, Texas.
