Judge Sets Bond Conditions For Ex-Deputy, Husband Charged With Murder

HOUSTON, TX — A Harris County Sheriff’s Deputy and her husband who are both charged with the murder of a 24-year old man, faced a judge in Harris County Criminal Court Tuesday morning.

Deputy Chauna Thompson and her husband Terry Thompson, were indicted for murder last week in the beating and strangulation death of John Hernandez.(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.)

Hernandez was confronted outside a Denny’s restaurant by Terry Thompson, after Thompson drove up to the restaurant that night with his children and saw Hernandez urinating outside of the restaurant.

A fight ensued between Thompson and Hernandez, and was witnessed by several including Hernandez’s wife and 3-year old daughter.

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

Terry and Chaun Thompson were indicted for the murder of John Hernandez (Image: HCSO)

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

Video of the fight that surfaced several days after Hernandez’s death appeared to show Terry Thompson on top of Hernandez’s back and holding him in a chokehold.

A coroner’s report indicated that Hernandez died as a result of anoxic encephalopathy due to strangulation with chest compression.

Court documents revealed that Terry Thompson was a trained mixed martial arts fighter, the Houston Chronicle reported.

Since the indictment, Chauna Thompson has been suspended without pay from the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, and the Hernandez family has filed a civil lawsuit against the Thompsons, and are seeking more than $1 million in damages.

U.S. District Judge Kelli Johnson, who set the Thompson’s bond after their indictment, outlined the conditions of their bond, which included the couple to subject themselves to frequent drug testing and to surrender their access to firearms.

The Thompsons, who are currently free on $100,000 bond, are each charged with first degree murder, which carries a possible life sentence if they are convicted.

Image: Shutterstock

Follow Us On Facebook: Engage with your neighbors in the Metro Houston area and keep up with the talk of the day by liking one of our Facebook pages. Houston / Midtown Houston / Houston Heights / Galleria - River Oaks / Bellaire / Meyerland / Humble-Kingwood / Conroe-Montgomery County / Sugar Land / Pasadena / The Woodlands / Clear Lake