Houston shooting
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The 16-year-old son of a southwest Houston couple has been charged with capital murder and is accused of shooting his parents overnight inside their home near Bellaire.

Dawn Armstrong died at the scene. Antonio Armstrong, 45, was rushed to the hospital where he later died.

Their son's name isn't being released because he's a juvenile.

Police found both victims after they were called to Palmetto at Mapleridge around 2:15 a.m. Friday.

They don't know the motive for the shootings.

"It was kinda the all-American family," said HPD homicide detective Jimmy Dodson. "That's why we're trying to get down to figure out what's going on in this household."

"They're the family that everyone wanted to be like," said Vaun Lee Armstrong, Dawn's cousin. "Her and Antonio together, they are what they call a power couple, a power team."

Antonio Armstrong is a motivational speaker. He and his wife own 1st Class Training in Bellaire. Family, friends and clients created a makeshift memorial outside the gym Friday.

"She never had an unkind word to say to anybody," her cousin said. "She saw the positive in every situation."

Antonio played football for Texas A&M and the Miami Dolphins and coached both of his sons when they were younger.

Former A&M coach R.C. Slocum issued this statement Friday: "Antonio was a special young man. He was an All-American and an outstanding player, but he was an even better person," Slocum said. "He was such a positive influence on his teammates. He always had a great big smile and was a joy to coach."

Antonio is also an associate pastor, according to police. Dawn Armstrong's Facebook page said they "serve in ministry together."


Relatives say they have another son and a daughter. They have no idea what the motive could be.

"There was nothing that even could have possibly justified this situation. There nothing this doesn't even make sense it makes no sense," Vaun Armstrong said.

Antonio's Facebook page was full of condolence messages Friday.

"There are no words I can express right now to you for how I feel, just know I'm sending you strength, love and power through The Most High to bless and keep you," posted one friend.

"Prayers for you. You are God's child and he is your protector and your guide," wrote another.

"I am devastated. Lovely, beautiful, Godly people. Prayers for healing. May God's love surround this family," said another woman.

Dawn Armstrong posted about their marriage and life together just one week ago.