A Texas deputy has lost her job in connection with the chokehold death of a man, according to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.
Chauna Thompson was fired after an internal investigation into the death of 24-year-old John Hernandez.
Thompson’s husband, Terry Thompson, allegedly put Hernandez in a chokehold after he confronted him over Hernandez urinating outside a Denny’s. Chauna, who was not on duty, helped hold the victim down.
He fell unconscious and died three days later in the hospital.
Both Thompsons were indicted on a murder charge.
A cousin of Hernandez said the firing was “a step in the right direction.”
– Texas sheriff, husband charged in chokehold death of John Hernandez –
“It was great news to us,” Melissa Hernandez said at a press conference. “We feel like it should have happened since day one, but it’s a step in the right direction and we’re pleased with the outcome.”
Sheriff Ed Gonzalez made it clear that he still supported his officers when he announced the termination.
“While our in-depth investigation uncovered no evidence of nefarious actions on the part of our on-duty personnel who worked the initial incident scene, we did find areas in which we must improve as a department,” Gonzalez said.
Police interviewed thirty-two people during the investigation into the incident. Thompson was fired and there were lesser disciplinary actions against three sergeants and one other deputy.