Houston Police Union Blasts Judge Over Bond Decision in Deputy’s Murder Case
The Houston Police Officers Union has ignited a firestorm of criticism against a local judge, Hilary Unger, for her decision to grant bond to a man accused of capital murder in the ambush-style killing of a Harris County deputy in 2024. The union has accused Judge Unger of prioritizing the rights of criminals over public safety, labeling her a "rogue" judge and claiming her actions represent a "disgraceful betrayal of public trust."
The case revolves around Dremone Francis, one of two men charged with the capital murder of Deputy Fernando Esqueda. Esqueda was fatally shot while conducting surveillance in an unmarked police vehicle in July 2024. Authorities allege that Francis and his co-defendant, Ronnie Palmer, unleashed a barrage of gunfire upon the deputy’s car, leaving it riddled with bullet holes.
In November 2024, Judge Unger, presiding over the 248th District Criminal Court, set Francis’s bond at a total of $1 million, allocating $500,000 for each charge of capital murder and tampering with evidence. This decision directly contradicted the prosecution’s request for a no-bond hold, a measure typically reserved for the most heinous crimes.
The Houston Police Officers Union expressed outrage that Francis, who was previously convicted of manufacturing and delivering drugs and had his probation "unsatisfactorily terminated" in 2022, was granted bail and released from custody. The union argued that the circumstances of the case, involving the cold-blooded ambush and execution of a law enforcement officer, warranted a denial of bond.
"This is not just a case of judicial incompetence," the union stated. "It is a disgraceful betrayal of public trust and a direct threat to every law-abiding citizen in Harris County. Francis was not just some low-level offender – he was an active participant in the cold-blooded ambush and execution of a law enforcement officer."
The union highlighted a concerning trend in Harris County, noting that there have been 162 homicides since 2021 in which the suspect was out on bond at the time of the murder. They accused Judge Unger, who is up for re-election in 2026, of being an "activist judge" who is "gambling with public safety" by releasing potentially dangerous individuals back into the community.
"This is not an isolated case," the union asserted. "Judge Unger has a history of prioritizing criminals over victims, undermining law enforcement, and making our streets more dangerous. If we don’t stop judges like her now, we will continue to see repeat offenders and violent criminals emboldened by a system that refuses to hold them accountable."
The union claims that Unger is known for letting repeat offenders out on bond and ran her election campaigns on prioritizing "alternatives to incarceration with an eye towards rehabilitation, a reduction in recidivism, and an increase in community safety."
The National Police Association has also weighed in on Judge Unger’s decisions, criticizing her for allowing dangerous criminals to return to the community. They pointed to a specific case from 2021 involving Andrew Williams, who was out on bond for separate capital murder and aggravated assault charges from 2019, when he allegedly stole a purse from a 71-year-old woman, Martha Medina, and ran her over with his car, resulting in her death. Williams was released after posting a $150,000 bond set by Judge Unger. Texas law permits bond denial in capital murder cases, raising questions about the judge’s decision in the Francis case.
The Houston Police Officers Union has vowed to take action in response to Judge Unger’s decision, stating that it "will not stay silent." The union intends to collaborate with the Harris County Deputies’ Organization (FOP 39) to advocate for "real bail reform and judicial accountability." They have pledged to ensure that Judge Hilary Unger’s name is forever associated with this decision and that the people of Harris County will not forget it.
The controversy surrounding Judge Unger’s bond decision has reignited the debate over bail reform and the balance between protecting the rights of defendants and ensuring public safety. Critics argue that low bail amounts and lenient release policies can lead to repeat offenses and further victimization, while proponents of bail reform contend that the current system disproportionately harms low-income individuals who cannot afford to post bail, even for minor offenses.
The case of Dremone Francis and the outcry from the Houston Police Officers Union have thrust Judge Hilary Unger into the center of this debate, making her a target of criticism from law enforcement and raising concerns about the potential consequences of her judicial philosophy. As the case progresses, the public will be closely watching to see how the justice system navigates the complex issues surrounding bail reform, public safety, and the pursuit of justice for Deputy Fernando Esqueda.
The union is positioning the issue as a critical juncture for Harris County, arguing that the safety of its citizens hangs in the balance. They are urging voters to consider Judge Unger’s record when she is up for re-election, suggesting that her decisions reflect a broader pattern of prioritizing criminal rights over public safety. The intensity of the union’s response indicates a deep level of frustration with the judicial system and a determination to hold judges accountable for decisions that they believe jeopardize the community.
