Ex-Deputy Appeals Termination For Deadly Denny’s Fight

HOUSTON, TX — A former Harris County Sheriff’s deputy who was fired after she and her husband were involved in a fight that killed another man, is appealing her termination.

Chauna Thompson, who was fired by Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez on July 21, filed her appeal on Friday.

In her appeal letter, Thompson says the termination was politically motivated, and done without a thorough investigation or an autopsy, KPRC reported. (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 events leading up to Thompson’s termination began on May 28, when Thompson’s husband was pulling into the parking lot of a Denny’s restaurant in Sheldon, near Crosby, and noticed a nam, later identified as Hernandez, urinating in the parking lot.

Terry Thompson claimed he confronted Hernandez, and Hernandez threw a punch

RELATED: Man Dies After Fight With Harris County Deputy's Husband [UPDATE]

Thompson grabbed Hernandez in a chokehold, straddling Hernandez’s as he laid facedown on the sidewalk.

Chauna Thompson arrived a short time after the fight began and was seen on cellphone video holding Hernandez’s arm to the ground as her husband held Hernandez in a chokehold.

Image: HCSO

When Chauna Thompson told deputies that when she realized Hernandez wasn’t breathing, she began CPR until EMS arrived.

Hernandez died three days after the fight, and eight days later, a Harris County Grand Jury indicted Chauna and Terry Thompson for murder.

RELATED: Harris County Grand Jury Indicts Sheriff’s Deputy, Husband For Murder

Shortly after the indictment, Chauna Thompson was suspended indefinitely, and then ultimately fired on July 21.

Meanwhile, four deputies who were involved in the investigation, were also disciplined, according to a KTRK report.

• One sergeant was transferred to a new assignment, ordered to complete additional training, and suspended for five days.
• One sergeant received a letter of documented counseling.
• One sergeant received a letter of reprimand and was ordered to complete additional training.
• One deputy received a one-day suspension and 30 days’ probation.

This disciplinary actions, including Thompson’s termination, can be appealed to the Civil Service Commission.

Image: Shutterstock

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