The criminal trial stemming from the 2022 Robb Elementary School mass shooting, one of the most closely watched cases in recent history, will begin in early January. Officials are preparing for heavy attendance and heightened security at the Nueces County Courthouse. Local authorities expect large crowds, national media interest, and weeks of testimony as the case unfolds in Corpus Christi.
Trial Overview and Charges
The defendant, Adrian Gonzalez, served as a police officer for the
Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District at the time of the May 24, 2022, shooting at Robb Elementary School. Court records show Gonzalez faces 29 counts of abandoning or endangering a child in connection with the law enforcement response to the attack.
Earlier this year, the court transferred the case from Uvalde to Corpus Christi. Officials made this decision to improve logistics and expand the potential jury pool.
Jury Selection and Timeline
Jury selection is scheduled to begin Jan. 5. About 450 prospective jurors are expected to report at 8 a.m. According to J.C. Hooper, the process could span multiple days. Once seated, the jury will hear a case that could take up to three weeks, though timelines remain subject to change.
“This will be a carefully managed proceeding,” Hooper said, adding that schedules in complex trials can shift as testimony and evidence progress.
Coordinated Security Plan
Given the case’s visibility and sensitivity, as a result, law enforcement agencies have coordinated extensively to ensure public safety. Specifically, the Nueces County Sheriff’s Office is working closely with the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Texas Rangers, and the Uvalde County Sheriff’s Office.
In addition, Nueces County will provide all security inside and around the courthouse. Inside the courtroom, bailiffs will maintain order, while at the same time, officials will establish an additional security checkpoint in the courthouse lobby to speed access to the court tower. Ultimately, Hooper said the goal is to protect everyone involved and maintain a safe, orderly flow throughout the proceedings.
Court Operations and Public Access
The courthouse will maintain regular business hours—8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday—during the trial. However, increased attendance and media presence may limit parking availability. County officials encourage residents with routine needs, such as license plate renewals or other business, to use online services during the trial to free up parking.
Despite the logistical challenges, the trial will remain open to the public. Visiting Judge Sid Harle will preside over the trial after Gov. Greg Abbott reappointed him in September as presiding judge of Texas’s 4th Administrative Judicial Region.
Media Coverage and Viewing Options
Interest from national media outlets has been strong. Local officials are fielding calls from across the country. While the exact number of reporters remains uncertain, the county is preparing designated media parking near the courthouse and extra accommodations as needed.
For those unable to attend in person, the proceedings will be accessible via a livestream on Court TV. Courthouse officials also plan to stream video and audio to a secondary viewing area within the building. This will expand access without overcrowding the main courtroom.
Why the Venue Change Matters
Officials say moving the trial to Nueces County offers practical advantages. A larger population base increases the likelihood of selecting an impartial jury, while the Corpus Christi courthouse provides more space for attorneys, witnesses, and observers. More than 50 witnesses will testify, and family members of the victims will travel from Uvalde to attend.
“We’re anticipating a strong turnout,” Hooper said. “Our objective is clear: conduct this trial in a safe, secure, and orderly environment. “We believe we are fully prepared to do exactly that.”
As jury selection approaches, county leaders continue to finalize operations. At the same time, they emphasize transparency, access, and security, as the case remains a focal point of national attention.
