Democrat judge sets bond for second man accused in Texas deputy’s murder after first suspect posts bail

A controversy is swirling around Judge Hilary Unger of the 248th District Criminal Court in Harris County, Texas, after she set bond for a second suspect charged with capital murder in the death of Harris County Deputy Fernando Esqueda. The Houston Police Officers’ Union (HPOU) has sharply criticized Unger, labeling her a “rogue” judge and accusing her of prioritizing criminals over victims. The case has sparked widespread outrage in the community, particularly among law enforcement and those who feel justice is not being served.

The latest development in the case involves Ronnie Palmer, one of two suspects charged in Deputy Esqueda’s murder. On Thursday, Judge Unger set Palmer’s bond at $3 million for the capital murder charge, with an additional $50,000 bond for each of the two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Palmer has been in jail since July without bond until this decision. The move comes just one day after the other suspect, Dremone Francis, was released from jail after posting a $1 million bond set in November 2024. Both suspects are accused of playing roles in the fatal shooting of Deputy Esqueda, and their releases on bond have ignited fury among law enforcement and the community.

The Harris County Deputies’ Organization (HCDO) has been vocal in its criticism of Judge Unger, calling her actions “disgraceful” and accusing her of undermining the justice system. The organization expressed disbelief and anger over the bonds being set, arguing that violent offenders should not be allowed to walk free while awaiting trial. The HPOU has also warned that the city is becoming increasingly unsafe as murder suspects are released back onto the streets. This sentiment reflects a broader concern about the perceived leniency of the criminal justice system and its impact on public safety.

In response to the backlash, a defense attorney, Cheryl Irvin, defended Judge Unger, stating that she was not responsible for setting the bond for Dremone Francis. Irvin explained that the bond for Francis was set during a previous administration, and no one from the district attorney’s office objected to it at the time. She emphasized that Francis, now on house arrest, has the right to a reasonable bail under the 8th Amendment. However, this explanation has done little to quell the outrage, as many view the release of the suspects as a failure of the justice system.

Judge Unger, who is up for re-election in 2026, has been an outspoken advocate for criminal justice reform, emphasizing alternatives to incarceration and rehabilitation. Her campaign platform has focused on reducing recidivism and increasing community safety. However, critics argue that her approach has emboldened repeat offenders and made the streets more dangerous. The police union has accused her of having a history of prioritizing criminals over victims, pointing to this case as evidence of a larger problem with her judicial decisions.

The debate over Judge Unger’s actions highlights a deep divide in the community about how to balance justice, public safety, and the rights of the accused. While some argue that her decisions are a necessary step toward reforming a flawed system, others see them as a dangerous disregard for the safety and well-being of law enforcement and the public. As the case unfolds, it has become clear that the outcome will have significant implications not only for the suspects involved but also for the broader conversation about crime, justice, and accountability in Harris County.