Jury Selection Begins In Murder Trial Of Ex-Deputy's Husband

HOUSTON, TX — Jury selection began Friday in the murder trial of the husband of a former Harris County Sheriff’s deputy.

Terry Thompson and his wife, Chauna Thompson are both accused of killing 24-year-old John Hernandez during a fight outside of a Denny’s Restaurant on May 28, 2017.

Thompson claimed Hernandez threw a punch at him after he confronted Hernandez for urinating in public.

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During the melee, Terry Thompson allegedly slammed an intoxicated Hernandez to the ground, and grabbed him in a chokehold while Chauna Thompson, who was off-duty at the time, held Hernandez’s arms.

Chauna Thompson said when she realized Hernandez had stopped breathing, she started CPR and called EMS.

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Hernandez was taken to LBJ Hospital, where he died three days later.

Investigators initially charged Hernandez with assault, but the charges were later dropped after video of the fight emerged, leading to charges against the Thompsons.

Since then, Chauna Thompson has been suspended, and ultimately fired by the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.

In May, the couple asked for a change of venue citing their inability to get a fire trial, but their request was denied.

If they are convicted, each could be sentenced to life in prison.

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