> At a Glance
> – Judge Sid Harle barred jurors from considering Stephanie Hale’s account after the defense claimed new details surfaced mid-trial.
> – Adrian Gonzales faces 29 counts of child endangerment over the May 2022 Robb Elementary response that left 21 dead.
> – Why it matters: The ruling trims evidence jurors can weigh as the first criminal trial tied to the shooting enters its second week.
Corpus Christi – Testimony in the trial of ex-Uvalde school officer Adrian Gonzales hit a roadblock Thursday when the judge disqualified a teacher-turned-witness, saying undisclosed details risked a fair trial.
Witness Details Emerge Mid-Trial
Stephanie Hale, who was on recess duty during the attack, told jurors she saw a figure in black with long hair carrying a rifle near the school’s south side and heard shots strike dirt around her-facts the defense says never appeared in her prior Texas Ranger interview.
- Hale confirmed she did not mention the shooter’s clothing, hair, or flying debris in that May 28, 2022 statement.
- Prosecutors countered by showing her grand-jury transcript, arguing the clothing detail was already documented.
- Special prosecutor Bill Turner admitted the “clothing not being turned over” was improper.
Judge’s Ruling Limits Evidence
After hours of legal wrangling, Judge Harle ruled Hale’s testimony off-limits to jurors, denying the defense’s mistrial bid but crafting what he called a due-process remedy.
> “Memories of traumatic events change… you did absolutely nothing wrong.”
> – Judge Sid Harle to Stephanie Hale
Jurors returned to hear fresh staff testimony and additional 911 calls while Hale was thanked and excused.
Trial Outlook
- Proceedings are expected to span two weeks.
- Gonzales and former chief Pete Arredondo are the only officers criminally charged for the response.
- A full conviction could mean life in prison.
Key Takeaways
- A key eyewitness account was struck from evidence over late disclosures.
- The setback trims the prosecution’s narrative but avoids a mistrial.
- The closely watched trial continues as families seek accountability for the May 24, 2022 tragedy.
