Police beef up courthouse security during gang-related murder trial

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- There was a notable increase in police presence outside of the Harris County Courthouse Monday during a gang-related murder trial.

Authorities hoped to prevent a repeat of an incident that occurred last week, when two rival gangs got into a fight outside of the courtroom. Three people were arrested following the brawl.

Inside the courtroom today, a jury deliberated for eight hours over the fate of Jonathan Raulins, who is on trial for the murder of 21-year-old Earnest Moore.

Raulins is accused of shooting and killing Moore after a fight broke out at a May 2015 pool party. Raulins also allegedly hit another woman who was attempting to escape from the fight.

Jurors came back twice asking for clarification on witness testimonies. Just before 9pm, the judge released the jury, which is set to reconvene tomorrow morning -- still with a heavy police presence.