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Controversy Erupts as Texas Judge Sets Bond in Capital Murder Case; Police Union Cries Foul
A firestorm of criticism has erupted around Judge Hilary Unger of the 248th District Criminal Court in Harris County, Texas, after she set a $3 million bond for Ronnie Palmer, one of two suspects charged with capital murder in the death of Harris County Deputy Fernando Esqueda. The Houston Police Officers Union (HPOU) has been particularly vocal, labeling Unger a "rogue" and "activist" judge and accusing her of prioritizing criminals over victims.
The bond decision for Palmer, who had been held without bond since July, has amplified existing tensions surrounding the case. Palmer also faces two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in connection to Deputy Esqueda’s death, for which bonds of $50,000 each have been set.
The timing of Unger’s decision has further fueled the outrage. It came just one day after the other suspect in Esquedas murder, Dremone Francis, was released from jail after posting a $1 million bond in November 2024.
Police Union Unleashes Fury
The Harris County Deputies Organization (HCDO) has been at the forefront of the criticism. They expressed their outrage on social media platform X, stating, "If you were outraged yesterday, just wait for what Judge Hilary Unger did today. A bond was set for Ronny Palmer, who is charged with murdering Deputy Fernando Esqueda. We are now beyond outraged, this is a disgrace."
The HCDO further highlighted the legal provision in Texas that allows for bond denial in capital murder cases, emphasizing that Unger had the discretion to keep Palmer detained without bond. While Palmer remains in jail for the moment, the HCDO stressed that he now has the opportunity to post bail and potentially return to the streets.
The Houston Police Union has warned that the City of Houston is not safe as murder suspects are left walking the streets due to lax bond rules.
Defense Attorney Defends Judge, Points Finger at Prior Administration
Amidst the escalating controversy, defense attorney Cheryl Irvin has stepped forward to defend Judge Unger. She claims that Unger was not involved in setting bond for Dremone Francis, despite accusations from the Houston Police Officers Union and the HCDO to the contrary.
"They made it very difficult for the judge because she is not the one who had set the bond," Irvin told FOX 26 Houston. "The bond was set and nobody objected to it from the district attorney’s office from the previous administration."
Irvin explained that the State of Texas filed for a "proof-evident hearing" when Francis was arrested in July 2024. If held and evidence supporting the charge was shown, such a hearing would have allowed for a denial of bond. However, the hearing was not conducted within the required 10-day timeframe, making Francis eligible for bond. His attorney then requested that a bond be set. The reason the state did not proceed with the hearing remains unclear.
"People have rights. Regardless of what you think folks have done, you still have a right. One right is the 8th amendment right to reasonable bail. And the reasonable bail was set for the codefendant, and he made the bail," Irvin asserted. She also noted that Francis is subject to house arrest and other conditions deemed appropriate by the judge.
Judge’s Record and Philosophy Under Scrutiny
The controversy has brought renewed attention to Judge Unger’s record and judicial philosophy. As she is up for re-election in 2026, her past decisions are being scrutinized. It has been revealed that Unger is known for releasing repeat offenders on bond. Her campaign website states that she prioritizes "alternatives to incarceration with an eye towards rehabilitation, a reduction in recidivism, and an increase in community safety."
The police union, however, argues that Unger’s approach undermines law enforcement and endangers the community. "This is not an isolated case. 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 will continue to see repeat offenders and violent criminals emboldened by a system that refuses to hold them accountable."
Unanswered Questions and Community Concerns
The situation remains highly charged, with several key questions unanswered. The absence of a "proof-evident hearing" for Francis, despite the severity of the charges, raises concerns about prosecutorial oversight. The contrasting perspectives on Judge Unger’s actions – seen by some as upholding constitutional rights and by others as endangering the community – highlight the complex challenges of balancing justice, public safety, and individual liberties.
The Esqueda case has ignited a debate about judicial discretion, bail reform, and the role of judges in ensuring both fairness and public safety. As the legal proceedings continue, the community remains deeply concerned and divided over the handling of this high-profile case.
The Harris County District Attorney’s Office and the 248th District Court have been contacted for comment, but as of this writing, have not replied.
This case will likely remain a focal point of legal and political discourse in Harris County as the 2026 election approaches.
