A suspect charged with murdering a Texas sheriff’s deputy was allowed to walk free from jail this week after posting a $1 million bond — sparking outrage at the “rogue” judge who allowed it.
Dremone Francis, 27, who was holed up on capital murder and tampering with evidence charges in the July 2024 slaying of Harris County Deputy Fernando Esqueda, was released and placed under house arrest on Wednesday.
Francis — one of two suspects nabbed over the deputy’s shooting death — is the first known defendant charged with capital murder of a cop to be released on bond in the county, ABC13 reported.
“This is a horrible message to send to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office deputies, to Deputy Esqueda’s family and on law enforcement officers out there,” Jose Lopez, president of the Harris County Deputies’ Organization, raged in the wake of his release.
“The judge is saying that their lives and service means absolutely nothing,” he continued. “The judge releasing this person on bond is making our streets of Harris County more dangerous.”
The saga erupted after Judge Hilary Unger of the 248th District Court set Francis’ bond at $1 million last November.
Francis and his co-defendant, Ronald Palmer, 44, had been accused of shooting up the deputy’s squad car as the officer was responding to reports Palmer had just pistol-whipped a Little Caesars employee.
Palmer allegedly fired the rounds but Francis is accused of trying to sell the two guns used in the ambush.
Prosecutors had filed paperwork to have Francis held without bond on the capital murder and evidence tampering charges, but the hearing didn’t happen within the required 10 days.
After three months, Francis’ defense attorney then asked for bond to be set, which the judge was legally required to do.
But former Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg blasted the decision — insisting the judge could have set a higher bond that would have ensured the alleged perp didn’t end up back on the street.
“Unfortunately, Judge Hilary Unger is a rogue judge and notorious for releasing repeat offenders who go out and kill other members of our community,” Ogg told Fox News’ “Fox&Friends” on Friday.
“We’ve got to stop these rogue judges.
“Right now, there are more than 830 fugitives or individuals on bond for capital murder or murder but … none for the murder of a police officer. This is a first for us,” she added.
Outraged Texas law enforcement bigwigs blasted the judge, too, with Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez saying it sends an “absolutely terrible message.”
“I’ve never seen anyone on a capital murder case of a law enforcement official released on bond,” Doug Griffith, president of the Houston Police Officers’ Union, added. “It’s ridiculous. Judge Unger should be ashamed of herself.”
“What happens when this guy doesn’t come back to court? This is a capital murder case. It’s the worst of the worst. If he doesn’t show up, officers have to go back looking for him. What’s going to happen then? Is he going to fire upon those officers?” Griffith continued.
Judge Unger’s court declined to comment.
