Coroner Rules Death Of Man Killed In Denny’s Fight A Homicide

HOUSTON, TX — The death of a 24-year old man who died after a fight with the husband of a Harris County Sheriff’s deputy has been ruled a homicide, according to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.

John Hernandez died three days after he was involved in a fight with Terry Thompson outside a Denny’s restaurant on May 28.

Hernandez spent three days in a coma, and was taken off life support on Thursday and died a short time later. (Want to get daily updates about traffic news and other events going on in your area? Sign up for the free Houston Patch morning newsletter.)

The Harris County Medical Examiner’s Office listed the cause of death for Hernandez as anoxic encephalopathy due to strangulation with chest compression, according to a KPRC report.

Anoxic encephalopathy is caused when oxygen to the brain is disrupted that cause the person to lose consciousness, suffer irreparable brain damage, or death, according to Headway.org.

This condition can occur when someone has a cardiac arrest, suffers a severe asthma attack, endures smoke inhalation, or in the cases of electric shock or a drug overdose.

However this can also occur when someone is suffocated, choked or strangled, according to the website.

Hernandez was confronted by Thompson outside the Denny’s restaurant after Hernandez was seen urinating outside as Thompson was pulling into the parking lot.

Witnesses reported seeing Thompson with Hernandez in a choke hold, while Thompson’s wife, who arrived a short time later, was helping to subdue Hernandez.

During the melee, investigators said Thompson’s wife realized that Hernandez was not breathing and began CPR, and called for an ambulance.

Hernandez was taken to LBJ Hospital where he later died.

Thompson was handcuffed and questioned by deputies at the scene, but was released a short time later, and was never charged.

Read Also: Sheriff Asks DOJ, Texas Rangers To Investigate Man’s Beating Death

On June 2, the day after Hernandez died, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez asked the U.S. Department of Justice and the Texas Rangers to investigate the case, and vowed transparency in this case.
On Monday, attorney’s for Hernandez’s family released a video that showed Thompson on Hernandez’s back holding Hernandez in a choke hold, while Deputy Chauna Thompson, who was off-duty, held down one of Hernandez’s arms with her knee.

Read Also: Video From Fatal Denny’s Brawl Is Released

Meanwhile, officials annouced late Tuesday that Deputy Thompson would be removed from her regular patrolduties, according to a KTRK report.

The investigation remains open.

Once the investigation is completed, the case will be presented to the Harris County Grand Jury, where charges could be filed.

Image: Brett L. via Flickr

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