The latest criminal justice news from The Texas Tribune.
Officials say the shooting began with a traffic stop in which the gunman shot a state trooper. Police say the gunman acted alone and was shot to death outside a crowded movie theater. Full Story
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“The officer will know prior to approaching the vehicle that this person might have a challenge speaking with him," says Jennifer Allen, whose son is the namesake of the Samuel Allen Law. Full Story
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House Bill 446, authored by state Rep. Joe Moody, lifts a ban on brass knuckles and similar self-defense items. Full Story
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On this week’s TribCast, Emily talks to Ross, Alexa, Alex and Neena about the biggest new state laws taking effect Sept. 1, a crisis facing indigent defense in Texas, the new Texas secretary of state and the latest from the presidential campaign trail. Full Story
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Swearingen consistently maintained his innocence in the strangling death of 19-year-old Melissa Trotter. Texas prosecutors, however, had no doubt he was her killer. Full Story
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For decades, Texans who can’t afford a lawyer have gotten caught in a criminal justice system that’s crippled by inadequate funding and overloaded attorneys. A growing body of caseload data — and a recent lawsuit — point to an even more fundamental hazard: the unchecked power of Texas judges. Full Story
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The line outside the funeral stretched several blocks. “I think our community lost something and this is our community grieving together," said local state Rep. Joe Moody. Full Story
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“What President Trump says, and what he does, does not just offend our sensibilities or our understanding of the traditions of this great country,” O'Rourke said. “It changes who we are as a country.” Full Story
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After May's 40 homicides, Gov. Greg Abbott deployed state troopers to Dallas. Despite some drops in violent crimes, city officials say they've done more harm than good. Meanwhile, there's still no consensus on what's driving the increase as victims' families are left to grapple with grief. Full Story
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In his recent appeals, Johnson has claimed he is intellectually disabled and therefore ineligible for the death penalty. He was convicted of a double murder in Harris County that took place in 2006. Full Story
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The task force will analyze current and emerging state threats and form stronger prevention strategies. Abbott took similar action — which led to sweeping legislation — after last year's school shooting in Santa Fe. Full Story
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The law will make the electronic transmission of unwanted sexually explicit material a class C misdemeanor. But legal experts worry it could be written too broadly under the First Amendment to be effective. Full Story
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El Pasoans spent the week grieving — and worrying about more attacks targeting Hispanics — as politicians had varied ideas for how to prevent mass shootings in the future. Full Story
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A white gunman killed 22 Hispanic shoppers at an El Paso Walmart Saturday and injured more than two dozen more. Abbott and President Donald Trump were quick to highlight mental health issues. Full Story
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Abbott announced a similar series of roundtables after the shooting at Santa Fe High School. Full Story
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A debate over gun control was reignited after a gunman killed 22 people at a Walmart in El Paso. Here's a rundown of Texas' gun laws. Full Story
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Jordan and Andre Anchondo were among more than 20 victims killed in Saturday’s mass shooting at a Walmart and a shopping center in El Paso. Full Story
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Organizers had to bring in a second mobile station to deal with the high number of people wanting to donate blood. By the end of the drive, over 110 people had donated. Full Story
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The world again turned its eyes to Texas after a gunman killed 20 and injured 26 more at an El Paso Walmart. Photographers were on the scene instantly, stayed through the night, and they’re back today. Here is some of their work. Full Story
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Police say the gunman legally purchased the weapon he used in the shooting that left 20 people dead and more than two dozen wounded at an El Paso Walmart. Full Story
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