HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The man convicted of manslaughter in the 2022 shooting death of 9-year-old Arlene Alvarez was sentenced to 20 years in jail on Thursday.

On Tuesday, a jury convicted Tony Earls of manslaughter in the Feb. 14, 2022, shooting. It only took jurors an hour to deliberate before returning with a guilty verdict.

It was on Valentine's Day of 2022 that investigators said Earls and his wife were robbed at gunpoint at an ATM in the Gulfgate area.

PREVIOUS REPORT: Tony Earls found guilty of shooting and killing 9-year-old Arlene Alvarez in 2022

Police said Earls opened fire on the fleeing robber but hit a passing truck instead. Arlene, who was a passenger in that vehicle, suffered a fatal gunshot to the head.

Prosecutors said Earls was reckless in choosing to fire shots

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