A Texas man accused of murdering a police officer in July 2024 is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday for the first time since being released on a $1 million bond last week.
Judge Hilary Unger of the 248th District Criminal Court in Texas, a Democrat, set the bond for Dremone Francis in November 2024, contrary to prosecutors' request for a no-bond hold. Francis was able to post the bond amount and was released as of Feb. 26.
Francis faces charges of capital murder and two counts of aggravated assault in connection with the fatal shooting of Harris County Sheriff's Deputy Fernando Esqueda. He is one of two suspects, along with Ronald 'Ronnie' Palmer Jr., in Esqueda's killing. Palmer, whose bond is set at $3 million, remains in custody.
Esqueda was shot and killed while conducting surveillance in an unmarked police car in July 2024. The sheriff's deputy's vehicle was reportedly riddled with bullet holes from the gunfire.
Andy Kahan, Houston Crime Stoppers Director of Victim Services and Advocacy, expressed strong disapproval of Francis being released on bond, particularly given the severity of the charges and the public safety risk he may pose. Kahan highlighted that Francis was on probation at the time of his arrest and had already violated the terms of his probation.
Capital murder is the only crime in Texas for which a judge can deny bond for a defendant. Francis is the first capital murder suspect to post bond in two decades, as reported by sources.
Sam Cammack, Francis' attorney, defended the bond posting, emphasizing that Francis is under strict surveillance and house arrest, with GPS monitoring in place. However, Kahan criticized the notion that ankle monitors are foolproof against tampering.
Mayor John Whitmire, a Democrat, publicly criticized Judge Unger's decision, denouncing the trend of violent offenders, including those charged with capital murder, receiving low bonds. The mayor expressed concern for the safety of law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line for public safety.
