Couple Charged With Murder Ask For Trial To Be Moved

HOUSTON, TX — A former Harris County Sheriff's deputy and her husband who are set to go on trial this summer, were in court Monday to ask the judge for a change of venue

Former deputy Chauna Thompson and her husband Terry, who are both charged with the murder of a 24-year old father, claimed publicity from the case has generated enough prejudice that getting a fair trial would not be possible.

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On May 28, 2017, Terry Thompson was pulling into a Denny's arking lot in Crosby, when he saw a man, later identified as John Hernandez, relieving himself outside the restaurant and the two began fighting.

READ: Judge Sets Date For Ex-Deputy And Her Husband's Murder Trial

Thompson claimed Hernandez took a swing at him and that he tried to subdue Hernandez and put him in a chokehold.

Thompson's wife, Chauna, arrived a short time later and helped hold down Hernandez whowas seen on video struggling to breathe.

Hernandez stopped breathing during the struggle and Chauna Thompson called for backup, and began CPR.

Hernandez died three days later at an area hospital, and the Thompson's were both charged several days later with murder.

Defense attorneys claimed the case was mishandled by law enforcement officers and the Harris County District Attorney's Office, KTRK reported.

Several law enforcement officers were called to testify about the alleged mishandling, including Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, Assistant District Attorney's Tim Berg and Jim Leitner, the Houston Chronicle reported.

The judge will make a decision on a potential change of venue this week.

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