HOUSTON (AP) - The Latest on a Texas sheriff’s deputy and her husband being indicted on murder charges in the death of a man they restrained (all times local):
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5:50 p.m.
The family of a man who died after a late-night confrontation with a Texas sheriff’s deputy and her husband has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the couple that’s asking for at least $1 million in damages.
Harris County Sheriff’s Deputy Chauna Thompson and her husband, Terry, have been indicted for murder in last month’s death of John Hernandez.
Authorities say Terry Thompson confronted an intoxicated Hernandez after seeing him urinate in public outside a Houston-area restaurant. Chauna Thompson, who was off-duty, arrived later to help subdue Hernandez.
Troy Chandler, an attorney for John Hernandez’s family, said Tuesday the force used against Hernandez was “extremely disproportional” to what he was accused of doing.
Greg Cagle, Chauna Thompson’s attorney, said he hadn’t seen the lawsuit and declined to comment.
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4 p.m.
Dozens of protesters chased after a Texas sheriff’s deputy and her husband after the couple made their first court appearance on murder charges in the death of a man they restrained during a late-night confrontation.
Harris County Sheriff’s Deputy Chauna Thompson and her husband, Terry, appeared in a Houston courtroom Tuesday after their indictments last week.
The Thompsons each face a murder charge in the death of 24-year-old John Hernandez.
After the couple left the courthouse, about 60 protesters followed them to a waiting car. The protesters included Hernandez’s father. Some protesters slammed their fists on the hood.
Deputies had to move the protesters so the car could drive away.
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2:25 p.m.
Defense attorneys say prosecutors rushed to judgment in indicting a Houston-area sheriff’s deputy and her husband in the death of a man after a confrontation outside a restaurant.
Harris County Deputy Chauna Thompson and her husband, Terry Thompson, made their initial court appearance Tuesday.
After the brief hearing, their attorneys said the Thompsons are being singled out because Chauna Thompson works in law enforcement.
Harris County District Attorney’s Office spokesman David Mitcham disputes that argument, saying prosecutors are dedicated to an orderly process in the case.
Authorities say Terry Thompson confronted John Hernandez on May 28 after seeing him urinate in public outside a Houston-area restaurant.
Chauna Thompson was off-duty at the time. She arrived later to help subdue Hernandez, who died three days later.
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1:20 p.m.
Dozens of protesters rallied against a Texas sheriff’s deputy and her husband as the couple made their first court appearance on murder charges in the death of a man they restrained during a late-night confrontation.
Harris County deputy Chauna Thompson and her husband, Terry, appeared in a Houston courtroom Tuesday. They didn’t enter a plea and said little during the hearing.
Outside the courthouse, several dozen protesters held signs saying “Justice for John,” referring to 24-year-old John Hernandez, who died three days after the May 28 altercation.
Authorities say Terry Thompson confronted an intoxicated Hernandez after seeing him urinate in public outside a Houston-area restaurant.
Chauna Thompson, who was off-duty, arrived later to help subdue Hernandez.
The Thompsons are free on bond. If convicted, they face a maximum sentence of life in prison.
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