Texas Judge Faces Backlash After Granting Bond to Suspected Deputy Killer

A Texas judge, labeled a “rogue” and an activist by the Houston Police Officers’ Union, is under scrutiny for granting bond to the second suspect accused of capital murder in the incident that led to the death of Harris County Deputy Fernando Esqueda.

Judge Hilary Unger of the 248th District Criminal Court in Harris County set bond at an unprecedented $3 million for Ronnie Palmer on Thursday, according to court documents released by the Harris County Deputies’ Organization (HCDO). Palmer had been incarcerated since July without an option for bail until this recent development.

Multiple Charges Compound Suspect’s Legal Troubles

In addition to the capital murder accusation, Palmer faces two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon linked to Esqueda’s death. Each of these charges has a bond set at $50,000, which adds another layer to Palmer’s legal battles.

Unger’s controversial decision to grant bond for Palmer came shortly after another suspect, Dremone Francis, was released on a $1 million bond. Francis posted bail on Wednesday, following his November 2024 arrest in connection with Esqueda’s murder, which has prompted outrage within the community and law enforcement.

Community and Law Enforcement Outraged

The HCDO voiced strong disapproval after Francis’s release and escalated their concerns after learning about Palmer’s bond setting. They expressed their frustration publicly, 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 organization posted on X.

Unger’s decision to allow bail opens the door for Palmer to potentially return to the community, igniting fears among local residents and law enforcement officials alike.

Citing Legal Precedents for Bond Denial

Under Texas law, it is permissible to deny bond for capital murder cases, raising questions about the rationale behind Unger’s decision. While Palmer remains in custody, he is now in a position to post bail, which has raised alarms about the implications for public safety.

Community members have expressed their concerns regarding the judicial leniency shown towards suspects charged with serious offenses. The HCDO has taken to social media to highlight the urgent need for judicial reform.

A Defense Attorney Weighs In

In light of the backlash, defense attorney Cheryl Irvin claimed that Judge Unger should not bear responsibility for the earlier bond setting for Francis. Irvin stated that the earlier bond was set by another judge, and there was no objection from the district attorney’s office at that time. She emphasized that the judicial system must respect the constitutional rights of defendants, regardless of the severity of the charges against them.

“People have rights. Regardless of what you think individuals have done, you still have a right. One right is the Eighth Amendment right to reasonable bail. The reasonable bail was set for the co-defendant, and he made the bail,” Irvin explained. She added that Palmer remains under strict conditions such as house arrest.

Judicial Philosophy Under Scrutiny

Unger, who is up for re-election in 2026, has garnered attention for her approach towards bond settings, particularly for repeat offenders. Her campaign emphasizes