Houston Judge Under Fire for Releasing Deputy's Alleged Killer on Bond

The Houston Police Officers' Union is up in arms over what they call an "indefensible decision" by Judge Hilary Unger to grant bond to Dremone Francis, who's accused of capital murder in the ambush death of Harris County Deputy Fernando Esqueda back in 2024. Judge Unger of the 248th District Criminal Court, whom the police union has labeled as "rogue," set Francis's bond at a total of $1 million in November 2024, going against prosecutors who wanted him held without bail. And guess what? As of Wednesday, Francis has posted bail and is back on the streets. Francis, along with Ronnie Palmer, is accused of killing Harris County Deputy Fernando Esqueda. He's facing charges of capital murder and tampering with evidence, with Unger setting bail at $500,000 for each charge. The police union didn't hold back, stating, "This isn't just judicial incompetence—it's a disgraceful betrayal of public trust and a direct threat to every law-abiding citizen in Harris County. Francis wasn't just a low-level offender; he actively participated in the cold-blooded ambush and execution of a law enforcement officer." Esqueda was fatally shot while doing surveillance in an unmarked police car in July 2024. According to Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, Francis and Palmer allegedly riddled the deputy's car with bullets. Esqueda was rushed to the hospital but didn't make it. "If this case doesn’t warrant a no-bond decision, then what does?" the police union questioned. While Palmer is still behind bars without bond, Francis is enjoying his freedom. Besides the capital murder charge, Francis has a prior conviction for manufacturing and delivering drugs, and his probation was "unsatisfactorily terminated" in 2022. The police union points out that there have been 162 homicides in Harris County since 2021 where the suspect was out on bond at the time of the murder. They accuse Unger, who's up for re-election in 2026, of being an activist judge who's "gambling with public safety." "This isn't an isolated incident. Judge Unger has a history of prioritizing criminals over victims, undermining law enforcement, and making our streets more dangerous," the union stated. "If we don’t stop judges like her now, we'll keep seeing repeat offenders and violent criminals emboldened by a system that refuses to hold them accountable." Unger is known for releasing repeat offenders on bond, campaigning on "alternatives to incarceration with an eye towards rehabilitation, a reduction in recidivism, and an increase in community safety." The National Police Association has previously criticized Unger, highlighting her decisions that have allowed dangerous criminals to return to the community. FOX 26 Houston reports that the most notable case is from 2021 when Andrew Williams, already out on bond for separate capital murder and aggravated assault charges from 2019, stole a purse from 71-year-old Martha Medina and then ran her over with his car, killing her. Williams was out because he posted the $150,000 bond set by Unger. Texas law allows for bond denial in capital murder cases. The Houston Police Officers' Union says they "will not stay silent" after Unger's latest decision. "We will fight alongside the Harris County Deputies’ Organization (FOP 39) to demand real bail reform and judicial accountability. We will make sure that Judge Hilary Unger’s name is remembered for this reckless decision, and we will make sure the people of Harris County never forget it either," the union declared.