TARRANT COUNTY, Texas — The defense team for former Fort Worth officer Aaron Dean has filed a new motion calling for a new trial.
Dean’s defense attorney Bob Gill filed the motion on Tuesday, Jan. 17, according to court documents.
The motion reads, “the defendant in this case should be granted a new a trial in this case because the verdict is contrary to the law and the evidence.”
Dean was found guilty of manslaughter in the October 2019 shooting death of Atatiana Jefferson. He was sentenced on Dec. 20, 2022, to 11 years, 10 months and 12 days in prison.
The new motion also comes after Dean’s defense called for an investigation into possible jury misconduct earlier this month.
Dean’s attorneys claim a purported juror allegedly made a social media post during the trial, which “sought opinions and information from persons outside the jury.”
Court documents show that Tarrant County Judge George Gallagher granted that motion, though it's not clear what came of the investigation or if it has started.
Over the three years leading up to the murder trial, Dean’s defense has tried to have the trial moved from Tarrant County due to multiple reasons, including the media spotlight and city leaders sharing their opinions about Dean.
Dean’s defense has outlined dozens of requests as part of the appeal process as well.
Dean is currently in prison at the W.F. Ramsey Unit in Rosharon, Texas. He’s eligible for parole on Nov. 28, 2028.