On January 12, 2026, during the trial of former Uvalde police officer Adrian Gonzales, teacher Arnulfo Reyes delivered heart-wrenching testimony about the 2022 Robb Elementary shooting, describing how he witnessed a ‘black shadow’ with a gun enter his classroom and kill all 11 of his students.
The testimony occurred in Corpus Christi, Texas, as part of the second week of Gonzales’ trial. Reyes, who taught at Robb Elementary for 17 years, has not returned to the classroom since the attack. He detailed the moments when 18-year-old gunman Salvador Ramos opened fire, shooting Reyes in the arm and back before turning to the children. Reyes recounted lying on the floor, pretending to be dead, as Ramos taunted him and splashed his own blood on his face.
Reyes heard more shooting from the adjoining classroom, where additional students were killed, bringing the total to 19 children and two teachers. The attack lasted 77 minutes before a Border Patrol tactical team intervened, with Reyes praying and giving himself to the Lord as he waited for it to end. Prosecutors used his testimony to underscore the alleged failures of Gonzales, who was among the first officers on scene.
Gonzales is charged with 29 counts of child endangerment or abandonment for not following active shooter training and engaging the gunman when he had the opportunity. The trial has featured graphic evidence, including surveillance video and 911 calls, with previous days seeing emotional accounts from other teachers and victims’ families. Reyes identified each of his students from photographs, stating ‘she did not survive’ or ‘he did not survive’ for each one.
Defense attorneys cross-examined Reyes on school safety protocols, suggesting unlocked doors contributed to the tragedy. Reyes maintained he believed his door was locked, shifting focus to the officers’ response. The trial highlights rare criminal charges against law enforcement for inaction during a mass shooting, with Gonzales and former police chief Pete Arredondo being the only officers charged from the response.
If convicted, Gonzales faces up to two years in jail per count, with the case continuing as Reyes’ testimony resumes on January 13, 2026. This trial is a pivotal moment in accountability for the Uvalde shooting, with implications for police protocols nationwide. The community and families seek justice as legal proceedings unfold, hoping for closure and systemic changes to prevent future tragedies.
