TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas — A man convicted and sentenced to 60 years in prison for manslaughter and robbery 20 years ago is expected to be released on bond Thursday after the Travis County District Attorney's Office concluded he did not receive a fair trial.
Alvin Stewart, who was 18 when he was convicted of killing his former 7th grade music teacher, will appear before Judge Karen Sage in the 299th District Court at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 21, following an extensive review of his case.
The district attorney's Conviction Integrity Unit (CIU) has agreed that Stewart's original defense attorney failed to investigate critical aspects of his case, particularly the alleged sexual relationship between Stewart and the victim that some witnesses said began during middle school.
According to court documents, Stewart was originally sentenced to 20 years for manslaughter and 60 years for robbery. The newly discovered evidence suggests the victim may have sexually groomed Stewart, a factor never presented during his original trial.
After four days of hearings involving testimony from original prosecutors, the defense attorney, former students and Stewart himself, the DA's office now contends there was insufficient evidence for the robbery charge and that the jury would likely have rendered a different verdict with full context.
The case now moves to the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, which will review the findings. The court could confirm a new trial, deny the recommendations or request additional evidence – a process that could take months or even years.
This development is part of a broader effort by the Travis County District Attorney's office to review historical cases. Over the past four years, the CIU has participated in two historical case reviews and agreed to take steps to address potential wrongful convictions or judicial errors in seven instances.
Stewart will potentially be released on bond pending the Court of Criminal Appeals' decision, marking a significant turning point in a case that has spanned two decades.
