The Texas man accused of killing a police officer in July 2024 is due to appear in court on Tuesday since being released last week on a $1 million bond.
Democrat Judge Hillary Unger of Texas's 248th District Criminal Court, set up a Dolemon Francis bond in November 2024, directly opposed the prosecutor's request to hold a no-bond. Francis posted the bond amount and was released on February 26th.
“When I first learned about this, I was stunned and regretted, and as I've been involved in law enforcement and criminal justice for over 40 years, I have never seen a defendant charged with the murder of a police officer released on bonds. “This is a slap in the face for all law enforcement officers and the public in general.”
Francis is being charged with capital murder and aggravated two counts of assault in connection with the fatal shooting of Harris County Sheriff Fernando Esqueda's deputy gun. He is one of two suspects, including Ronald “Ronnie” Palmer Jr. in the murder of Esqueda. Palmer, whose bonds are set at $3 million, has not been released.
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Dremone Francis is charged with capital murder and two counts of aggravated assault in connection with the deputy shooting of Harris County Sheriff Fernando Esqueda. He is one of the two suspects in Escuda's murder. (Harris County Sheriff's Office)
Escuda was shot dead in July 2024 while surveillance in an unmarked police car.
Francis and Palmer were plagued by bullet holes as they were accused of shooting multiple times in sub-area cars, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said at the time. Esqueda was declared dead at a local hospital.
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Harris County Sheriff Detective Fernando Esqueda was in uniform in front of the US flag of this portrait provided by the sheriff. (Harris County Sheriff)
“From our perspective, you will not release any individuals who represent public safety risks,” Kahan said.
“This just sends a terrible message to everyone, especially for law enforcement officials.”
Francis is the first suspect in 20 years to ship bonds, as Fox 26 Houston first reported. In Texas, capital murder is the only crime, and if a judge does so, the defendant's bond can be denied.
Houston Police Union warns the city is “not safe” because the murder suspect is “walking on the street.”
“There are a lot of million-dollar bonds in capital murders. People just don't make them,” said Sam Cammack, Frances' attorney. Fox 26. “And Francis' family has built a bond with Francis. I think what many don't understand is that he is under 24-hour surveillance with GPS. He is under house arrest and cannot go out on the front porch.”
Ronald “Ronnie” Palmer Jr., who was charged in connection with the murder of Vice Vice President Fernando Esquarter, has not been released on bonds like his co-defendant, Doremone Francis. (Harris County Sheriff's Office)
Kahan called for the idea that monitoring the ankles would not allow them to monitor “delusions.”
“If you release someone who has been charged with murdering a police officer, that is a threat to public safety and it should not depend on the amount you have,” Kahan said. “And even if the judge feels they have to set up cash debts, “Mr. Francis, you know you're being charged with capital murder. That means that if you're convicted, you're looking at one or two outcomes.”
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Democrat Mayor John Whitmire condemned Judge Unger's decision on Monday.
“HPD and our officers are putting their lives at risk for our safety, but violent offenders, including those charged with murder, get low bonds,” the mayor said at a press conference.
Elizabeth Prickett of Fox News contributed to this report.
