The release of a Texas man accused of murdering a Harris County Sheriff's Deputy on a $1 million bond has ignited fury and disbelief within the law enforcement community and beyond. Dremone Francis, charged with capital murder and two counts of aggravated assault, walked free last week after Judge Hilary Unger of the 248th District Criminal Court in Texas granted the bond, defying prosecutors' plea for a no-bond hold.
Andy Kahan, Director of Victim Services and Advocacy at Houston Crime Stoppers, expressed his shock and anger on "Fox & Friends," stating, "In my 40-plus years in law enforcement and criminal justice, I've never witnessed a capital murder suspect, especially one accused of killing a police officer, being released on bond. This is a grave insult to law enforcement and the community."
Francis and another suspect, Ronald Palmer Jr., are accused of ambushing Deputy Fernando Esqueda in July 2024 while he was in an unmarked police car. Sheriff Ed Gonzalez reported at the time that the deputy's vehicle was riddled with bullets. Palmer remains incarcerated with a $3 million bond.
Kahan stressed the danger Francis poses to public safety, highlighting that he was already on probation at the time of the alleged murder. He criticized the judge's decision, arguing that such a significant case warrants an exceptionally high bond, regardless of the defendant's financial resources. He also dismissed the notion that ankle monitors guarantee safety, calling it "delusional."
"This sends an appalling message, particularly to law enforcement." - Andy Kahan, Houston Crime Stoppers
Francis's attorney, Sam Cammack, told FOX 26 that while million-dollar bonds are common in capital murder cases, they are rarely met. He emphasized that Francis is under 24-hour GPS surveillance and house arrest. However, Kahan argued that the judge should have considered the gravity of the charge, which carries potential penalties of life without parole or the death penalty, when setting the bond.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire joined the chorus of disapproval, condemning Judge Unger's decision and expressing concern over what he perceives as a trend of lenient bonds for violent offenders. He stated that low bonds for individuals accused of capital murder undermine the safety and sacrifices of law enforcement officers.
