Uvalde Officer's Trial Hits a Snag: What Happened?

Teacher's Testimony Shakes Trial of Former Officer

The trial of former Uvalde school police officer Adrian Gonzales took an unexpected turn when a teacher's testimony contradicted her earlier statements.

• Key Testimony: The teacher claimed she saw the shooter near where Gonzales was stationed, differing from her previous account to investigators.
• Defense Reaction: The defense team argued that the teacher's new story was inconsistent with what she told a Texas Ranger.
• Judge's Decision: The judge paused the trial to decide the next steps, excluding the jury from these discussions.

Gonzales Faces Charges for Inaction

Gonzales is accused of failing to stop the shooter, with prosecutors arguing he had a duty to act.

• Defense Argument: The defense presented a detailed timeline, claiming Gonzales couldn’t have known the severity of the situation inside the school.
• Victims' Families: Families of the victims expressed frustration, fearing the delay could complicate their pursuit of justice.
• Criminologist's Prediction: A criminologist estimated a 50% chance of Gonzales being found guilty.

Broader Implications of the Case

This trial extends beyond Gonzales, raising questions about the police response to the shooting.

• Delayed Response: Despite nearly 400 officers on the scene, it took over an hour to neutralize the shooter.
• Limited Accountability: Only two officers have been charged in connection with the incident.
• Trial Location: The trial is being held in Corpus Christi due to concerns about securing an impartial jury in Uvalde.