Antonio Armstrong, a 1995 draft pick of the 49ers, and his wife were fatally shot by their teenage son in the family’s Houston home early Friday morning, police said. The parents were both 42 years old.
Armstrong was an All-American linebacker from Texas A&M whom the 49ers selected in the sixth round. Armstrong sustained an ankle injury early in camp and began his rookie season on the 49ers’ practice squad. He never played in a game with the 49ers.
Armstrong went to the Miami Dolphins. He appeared in four games in 1995 and went to training camp the next year with the St. Louis Rams. before playing for the BC Lions and Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League from 1998 to 2001.
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Dawn Armstrong was pronounced dead at the family of five’s home. Antonio Armstrong was transported to a hospital, where he died hours later.
The Armstrong parents were described by the Houston Chronicle as strong members of the community who operated a small chain of fitness centers. He was the assistant pastor at a Houston-area congregation where his mother presides.
Officers found no forced entry at the home, according to the Chronicle’s report, citing Jimmy Dodson, a Houston Police Department homicide investigator. The teen was placed in juvenile custody, and the Armstrong’s other two children, who were at home at the time of the shooting, were not hurt.
Police were dispatched to the family’s home at 1:30 a.m. Friday morning after the couple's 16-year-old son called 911. Police arrested the 16-year-old boy. The couple's other children are a 20-year-old son and a teenage daughter.
San Francisco 49ers
Former Texas A&M football coach R.C. Slocum remembered Armstrong in a statement released by the school:
"Antonio was a special young man. He was an All-American and an outstanding player, but he was an even better person. He was such a positive influence on his teammates. He always had a great big smile and was a joy to coach."
According to the Chronicle, Armstrong this month began posting empowerment speeches on a personal YouTube channel, “Strong Talk.”
His introductory video included his following words: “Through the healing process, you are strengthened. Life is about being happy and I hope that through these talks, you can take your own personal pains – your own personal disappointments – and find strength in it so you can be the best you that you can be."
His final video was posted on his Facebook page around 11:30 p.m. Thursday, just about two hours before police were called to his residence.