Assault case against former UT basketball coach Chris Beard dismissed by Travis County DA

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Travis County District Attorney Jose Garza dismissed the domestic violence case against former Texas Longhorns head men's basketball coach Chris Beard.

Garza said Wednesday that, "after a careful and thorough review of the evidence, recent public statements, and considering Ms. [Randi] Trew’s wishes, our office has determined that the felony offense cannot be proven beyond a reasonable doubt."

Beard was arrested by Austin Police on Dec. 12 and later charged with assault by strangulation/suffocation - family violence following an incident with Trew, his fiancée. The home where the alleged assault happened, owned by Beard, has been listed for sale since late January and is still active, according to real estate listings.

He was suspended indefinitely without pay later that day by Texas Athletics as it reviewed the case, and then was fired Jan. 5. Associate head coach Rodney Terry has since taken over as interim head coach of the team.

"Our office takes all domestic abuse cases seriously to ensure justice for the victims," Garza said. "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."

Garza said the DA's office has indicted or formally charged over 2,000 people with assault family violence charges since 2021.