While there are differing accounts as to what happened, the case is going to trial after a grand jury indicted Houston Police Officer Tommy Harris on a charge of criminally negligent homicide.
"Understandably, he's upset by the news. We had hoped this grand jury would have seen the case the way we did. We still feel he did nothing wrong," said Aaron Suder, Officer Harris' attorney.
Suder claims Harris, who remains on paid administrative leave from the force, was simply protecting himself. Back in July, Okhueleigbe was accused of starting a fight with Thomas in the parking lot outside Studio 59. Harris allegedly used a headlock and other standard police tactics to restrain and subdue him. Okhueleigbe died at the hospital a short time later.
"We're standing by our officer. We don't feel that his actions were inappropriate that night. He was defending himself," said Gary Blankinship of the Houston Police Officers Union.
While no one from Okhueleigbe's family wanted to talk about the indictment, Harris' attorney says the officer is looking forward to having his day in court.
A decision has not been made in regards to Harris' employment with HPD and a date has not been set for the trial.
Fort Bend County District Attorney John Healy said, "Based on the facts, we are pressing forward with aggressive prosecution in this case."
If convicted, Officer Harris could face anywhere from six months to two years in jail.
QUICK HEADLINES | MORE LOCAL | GET NEWS ALERTS
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ABC13 SOCIAL NETWORKING
Find us on Facebook® | Follow us on Twitter | More social networking
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MORE FROM ABC13
ABC13 widget | Most popular stories |
Street-level weather
ABC13 wireless |
Slideshow archive |
Help solve crimes
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
