AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- Prosecutors have filed to dismiss the case against former Longhorns head basketball coach Chris Beard, according to a statement released Wednesday.
Travis County District Attorney José Garza, in a statement Wednesday, said the third-degree felony offense "cannot be proven beyond a reasonable doubt."
Beard was arrested on Dec. 12 and charged with Assault by Strangulation/Suffocation - Family Violence. Austin Police were called to a home in the 1900 block of Vista Lane, which is owned by Beard.
According to the arrest affidavit, Beard's fiancée, Randi Trew, told officers prior to Beard's arrest that he choked her from behind, bit her, and hit her when the two got into an argument. In a later public statement on Dec. 23, Trew denied telling police that he choked her, and that she never intended for him to be arrested or prosecuted.
"After a careful and thorough review of the evidence, recent public statements, and considering Ms. Trew’s wishes," the DA's statement reads, "our office has determined that the felony offense cannot be proven beyond a reasonable doubt."
“Our office takes all domestic abuse cases seriously to ensure justice for the victims,” said Travis County District Attorney José Garza in the statement. “In every case, we are obligated to evaluate the facts and evidence and do our best to reach an outcome that will keep the victim and our community safe."
Beard was suspended without pay by UT the same day, and was later fired on Jan. 5. Associate coach Rodney Terry was named acting head coach, and later promoted to interim head coach.
