Harris County DA Drops Murder Charges Against Ex-Sheriff's Deputy

HOUSTON — The Harris County District Attorney's Office has decided not to pursue a murder conviction against a former Harris County Sheriff's deputy. Prosecutors announced on Wednesday that charges against Chauna Thompson were being dismissed.

Chauna Thompson and her husband Terry Thompson were indicted for the May 2017 murder of 24-year-old John Hernandez in late 2017. Terry Thompson was convicted of Hernandez's murder in November 2018 and is serving a 25-year sentence.

Hernandez was killed during a fight outside of an east Harris County Denny's restaurant with Terry Thompson after Thompson confronted Hernandez for urinating outside the restaurant.

Chauna Thompson arrived at the restaurant minutes after the fight began and was seen on cellphone video holding Hernandez's arms to the ground while her husband held Hernandez in a choke hold.

Hernandez remained in a coma at an area hospital and died from his injuries three days later without ever regaining consciousness.

Chauna Thompson's trial was scheduled to begin later this month.

The Harris County Sheriff's Office released the following statement on Wednesday:

"The Harris County Sheriff’s Office is aware of the District Attorney’s decision to recommend the dismissal of the criminal indictment previously issued against former Deputy Chauna Thompson. A grand jury had issued the indictment after reviewing the circumstances of Ms. Thompson’s off-duty involvement in the 2017 death of John Hernandez. Ms. Thompson’s appeal of her employment termination is pending before the Civil Service Commission.The Sheriff’s Office continues to offer its condolences to the Hernandez family."

The Hernandez family has a pending civil suit against the Terry and Chauna Thompson.

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