Prosecutors: Slain Houston boy was stabbed at least 20 times

HOUSTON (AP) — A man accused of killing an 11-year-old Houston boy as the child walked home from school sobbed in court Monday as prosecutors told the judge the boy was stabbed at least 20 times.

Andre Timothy Jackson Jr., who is charged with murder in the May 17 slaying of Josue Flores, appeared before a judge as prosecutors described the investigation that led to his arrest. Jackson didn't speak during the hearing.

Prosecutors say the 27-year-old Marine Corps veteran admitted he was the man seen on a surveillance video near the crime scene and also told police he was at the crime scene.

Jackson will remain in jail on $100,000 bond. An attorney listed for him in court records didn't immediately return a call to The Associated Press.

If convicted, he faces a maximum punishment of life in prison.

More than 30 supporters, including Flores' sister, showed up for the hearing wearing white T-shirts with the boy's photo on the front.

Jackson was arrested Friday at the Salvation Army in downtown Houston, where he had maintained a room since mid-April, according to investigators.

Police have said there is no motive in the slaying and no known connection between Jackson and the boy.

Authorities initially charged a 31-year-old man with a long criminal history days after the killing, but that charge was dropped when detectives found evidence to support his alibi.