Texas teen charged with murder released after bond reduced from $800K to $100 per charge: ‘This is outrageous’

A Texas teenager accused of murder, Stephon Martin Morson, 19, was released from police custody after his bond was drastically reduced from $800,000 to $100 per charge. Morson, who was booked into the Travis County Jail in Austin, Texas, on November 6, 2024, is charged with murder and tampering with or fabricating physical evidence in connection with the shooting death of 20-year-old Keshawn Cage. Cage was found with a gunshot wound to the head in October, and Morson was released on Saturday after posting bail. The significant reduction in his bond, which now totals $200 for both charges, has sparked widespread outrage and concern among law enforcement, local leaders, and the community. Morson is now required to wear a GPS monitor, remain under house arrest, and avoid contact with the victim’s family or potential witnesses.

The dramatic reduction in Morson’s bond has been met with criticism from Austin Police Association President Michael Bullock, who called the decision “not enough” and a “slap in the face” to the community. Bullock expressed concerns that the low bond amount allows violent criminals to walk free, potentially endangering public safety. He argued that the revolving door of violent offenders being released back onto the streets is a key factor in the rise of violent crime in Austin. Bullock also criticized local judges, magistrates, and prosecutors, accusing them of prioritizing political agendas over public safety. He pointed out that this is not an isolated incident, as multiple courts in Travis County have previously reduced bonds for individuals accused of violent crimes, including murder and sexual assault. Some of these individuals have gone on to reoffend while out on bail, further fueling concerns about the justice system’s approach to bond decisions.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott also weighed in on the issue, calling Morson’s release “outrageous” and reaffirming his commitment to bail reform. Abbott has made bail reform an emergency item in the current legislative session, a move supported by Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, who vowed to take a tough stance on violent offenders during a recent special session. The bail reform package, which aims to prevent violent criminals from being released on low or no bond, cleared its first major hurdle last week when it passed the Senate Criminal Justice Committee with a unanimous 6-0 vote. Proponents of the reform argue that it is essential to protect innocent lives and law enforcement officers from individuals who may reoffend while on bail.

Crime victims’ advocates in Texas have long been pushing for tougher bail laws, particularly in cases involving severe crimes. In recent years, Harris County has faced criticism for releasing offenders on low or no bond, some of whom have gone on to commit violent crimes while awaiting trial. Rania Mankarious, CEO of Crime Stoppers of Houston, highlighted the dangers of lenient bail practices, emphasizing the need for stricter legislation to ensure public safety. The case of Stephon Morson has reignited these debates, with many calling for a more robust approach to bail decisions in order to prevent repeat offenses and protect vulnerable communities.

Despite the widespread criticism, the Travis County District Attorney’s Office did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The case has drawn attention to the broader issue of bail reform in Texas and the challenges faced by law enforcement and policymakers in balancing public safety with the rights of the accused. While some argue that bail reform is necessary to address disparities in the justice system, others fear that lenient bail practices may inadvertently put communities at risk. The release of Morson has become a symbol of these tensions, with many questioning whether the current system is doing enough to prioritize the safety of law-abiding citizens.

In conclusion, the release of Stephon Morson on a significantly reduced bond has sparked a heated debate about bail reform and public safety in Texas. While officials like Governor Abbott and Lieutenant Governor Patrick are pushing for tougher legislation to keep violent offenders behind bars, critics argue that the current system is failing to protect the community. The case of Morson serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and challenges inherent in the justice system, particularly when it comes to balancing the rights of the accused with the need to safeguard public safety. As the bail reform package moves through the legislative process, the voices of law enforcement, advocates, and community leaders will play a crucial role in shaping the future of bail policies in Texas.