A Nueces County jury acquitted former Uvalde CISD police officer Adrian Gonzales of all charges associated with the 2022 Robb Elementary School shooting. The jury’s decision came on January 21, 2026, after more than seven hours of deliberation.
Details of the Verdict
The trial marked a significant moment as it was the first criminal case relating to the incident where 19 children and two teachers lost their lives. Family members of the victims were present during the reading of the verdict and expressed their emotional reactions. Javier Cazares, who tragically lost his 9-year-old daughter, Jackie, stated that the experience had been an emotional roller coaster. He noted the disappointment felt despite holding onto a glimmer of hope.
The Trial’s Context
Adrian Gonzales faced 29 counts of child endangerment, one for each child killed or injured during the attack. Prosecutors argued that Gonzales failed to act promptly when he was one of the first officers on the scene. They highlighted that nearly 400 police officers waited more than an hour to confront the shooter, labeling the inaction as unacceptable.
- Prosecutors claimed Gonzales delayed entry by approximately three and a half minutes.
- The defense contended the actual waiting time was under two minutes before the shooter entered the classrooms.
During closing arguments, District Attorney Christina Mitchell urged the jury to hold Gonzales responsible, emphasizing the duty of police to respond to gunfire without hesitation. Meanwhile, defense attorney Nico LaHood argued that focusing blame solely on Gonzales was unfair, citing systemic failures in law enforcement’s response.
Reactions to the Acquittal
Following the verdict, Gonzales expressed gratitude toward the jury and his legal team. He remarked on the need to move forward while acknowledging the ongoing pain experienced by the victims’ families.
The acquittal has raised concerns about accountability within law enforcement. Family members of the victims expressed their intentions to continue seeking justice and accountability regarding the police response to the shooting.
Implications for Future Cases
Experts in criminal justice, including David Shapiro from John Jay College, noted that Gonzales’s acquittal may indicate broader issues within the law enforcement response to critical incidents. The systemic challenges highlighted by various state and federal investigations suggest significant scrutiny of police protocols is necessary.
As attention turns to the pending trial of former Uvalde Police Chief Pete Arredondo, family members and advocates anticipate further discussions on police accountability in the aftermath of the tragic events of May 2022.
