Murder Trial Begins For Ex-Deputy's Husband

HOUSTON, TX — The trial of an ex-Harris County Sheriff's deputy who is accused of killing a man during a fight outside of a Denny's Restaurant in Crosby in May 2017, began on Wednesday.

Terry Thompson is accused of choking 24-year-old John Hernandez, after Thompson claims Hernandez thew a punch at him and started the fight.

Attorney's began with opening statements, reminding jurors that it was Hernandez that started the fight, after he was confronted by Thompson who'd seen Hernandez urinating outside of the Denny's.

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However, prosecutors painted a different picture, telling jurors that Thompson began yelling at Hernandez when he saw him, blocked him from walking away, and body slammed him to the pavement, KPRC reported.

Cell phone video surfaced after the incident that showed Thompson holding Hernandez from behind in a choke hold as Hernandez struggled to breathe.

Thompson's wife, Chauna was seen on the same video holding Hernandez's hands down during the fight.

It was shortly after this that Chauna Thompson realizede Hernandez wasn't breathing and began CPR.

Hernandez would die three days later.

The eight men and five women on the jury will hear more testimony on Thursday.

Chauna Thompson, who is a former sheriff's deputy, goes on trial later this year.

If they are found guilty, they could spend the rest of their lives in prison.

Image: Shutterstock

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