Uvalde school shooting trial for former officer reaches closing arguments

Closing arguments begin in the trial of former Uvalde schools officer Adrian Gonzales after nine days of testimony, with jury deliberations possible Wednesday afternoon.

Closing arguments are scheduled to begin Wednesday in the trial of former Uvalde schools police officer Adrian Gonzales, which is being held in Corpus Christi. Prosecutors say Gonzales failed to act during the May 24, 2022 Robb Elementary shooting, while defense lawyers say he followed training and was directed to retreat by a commanding officer. The case is the first criminal trial connected to the delayed police response and could go to the jury as soon as Wednesday afternoon. Trial details: - Gonzales faces 29 felony counts of abandoning or endangering children, one count for each of the 19 students who died and the 10 children who survived in the classroom at issue. - Nineteen students and two teachers died in the May 24, 2022 shooting; officials reported that officers waited 77 minutes before confronting the gunman. - Prosecutors called about three dozen witnesses over nine days; the defense rested after two witnesses and Gonzales did not testify. Summary: The trial centers on whether Gonzales's actions outside Robb Elementary amounted to criminal neglect and whether he endangered children; each count carries a maximum penalty of two years. Deliberations could begin Wednesday afternoon, and Gonzales has opted to be sentenced by Judge Sid Harle if convicted.