HOUSTON, Texas — A judge has denied a motion to quash the indictment of former Uvalde CISD Police Chief Pete Arredondo, allowing the case against him to proceed.
The motion, filed by Arredondo’s legal team in September, sought to dismiss charges related to the May 2022 shooting at Robb Elementary School, which resulted in the deaths of 19 students and two teachers.
Judge Sid Harle issued the ruling on Thursday. Arredondo faces ten counts of child endangerment for his actions during the shooting.
His defense team, led by attorney Paul Looney, argued that Arredondo acted within his duties, evacuating a school wing and assisting with the police response.
Prosecutors contend that Arredondo’s failure to act and his instruction for other officers to stand down contributed to the endangerment of children during the shooting.
Following the ruling, Arredondo’s defense team announced plans to seek a change of venue, citing concerns about the emotional impact of the case on the local community.
Former officer Adrian Gonzales, also facing charges related to the incident, is expected to file a similar motion after the holiday season.
The trial date is tentatively set for October 20, 2025, though delays are possible as both sides prepare. The decision on the venue change request could affect the trial’s timeline.