The Houston Police Officers’ Union Condemns Judge Hilary Unger’s Decision to Grant Bond in Deputy’s Murder Case
A Deeper Look at the Case and Its Implications
The Houston Police Officers’ Union (HPOU) has expressed vehement criticism towards Judge Hilary Unger of the 248th District Criminal Court for her decision to set a bond for Dremone Francis, who is charged with the capital murder of Harris County Deputy Fernando Esqueda. The union has described her decision as a "disgraceful betrayal of public trust" and a direct threat to the safety of law-abiding citizens in Harris County. Francis, one of two men accused in the tragic ambush and execution of Deputy Esqueda, was granted a total bond of $1 million by Judge Unger, despite prosecutors’ request for a no-bond hold. This decision has sparked widespread outrage, particularly given Francis’s criminal history, which includes a prior conviction for manufacturing and delivering drugs, as well as an unsatisfactory termination of probation in 2022.
The case has drawn intense scrutiny because of its severity and the emotional toll it has taken on the law enforcement community. Deputy Esqueda was ambushed and shot while conducting surveillance in an unmarked police car in July 2024. The suspects, Francis and Ronnie Palmer, allegedly fired multiple rounds into the deputy’s vehicle, leaving it riddled with bullet holes. Esqueda was rushed to a local hospital but succumbed to his injuries. The senseless killing of a law enforcement officer has raised questions about the justice system’s ability to hold violent offenders accountable. The HPOU has emphasized that Francis was not a low-level offender but an active participant in the "cold-blooded ambush and execution" of a police officer, making Judge Unger’s decision to grant bond especially indefensible.
Judge Unger’s Record and the Union’s Strong Reaction
Judge Unger’s decision to grant bond to Francis has not gone unnoticed, and it has brought attention to her judicial record. The HPOU has accused her of being a "rogue" judge who prioritizes criminals over victims and public safety. The union pointed out that Francis is now free to roam the streets despite facing serious charges, while his co-defendant, Ronnie Palmer, remains in jail without bond. This disparity has raised concerns about the fairness and consistency of the justice system.
The HPOU has been vocal about Judge Unger’s history of granting lenient bonds to repeat offenders, a pattern they argue has made the community less safe. The union cited statistics showing that since 2021, there have been 162 homicides in Harris County where the suspects were out on bond at the time of the murder. This staggering number has led the union to accuse Judge Unger of "gambling with public safety" and being an "activist judge" who undermines law enforcement efforts. They argue that her decisions embolden repeat offenders and violent criminals, creating a dangerous environment for law-abiding citizens. The union has made it clear that they will not stay silent on this issue, vowing to fight for bail reform and judicial accountability.
The Broader Implications for Public Safety
The case has highlighted a broader issue with the bail system in Harris County, which the HPOU argues is failing to protect the public. The union has repeatedly warned that the county is not safe, pointing to the growing number of violent suspects who are released on bond and go on to commit further crimes. The Francis case is just the latest example of this trend, and the HPOU has called for immediate action to address the problem. They argue that if a case involving the ambush and murder of a law enforcement officer does not warrant a no-bond hold, then it is unclear what would. The union has questioned the logic behind granting bond to someone accused of such a heinous crime, especially given Francis’s criminal history.
The HPOU has also criticized Judge Unger’s judicial philosophy, which she promotes as prioritizing "alternatives to incarceration with an eye towards rehabilitation, a reduction in recidivism, and an increase in community safety." While these goals may sound noble, the union argues that they are being applied in a way that disregards the safety of the community. They point to Judge Unger’s history of granting bonds to dangerous offenders, citing a particularly egregious case from 2021. In that case, Andrew Williams, who was out on bond for capital murder and aggravated assault charges, stole a purse from 71-year-old Martha Medina and then ran her over with his car, killing her. Williams was able to commit this heinous crime because Judge Unger had set his bond at $150,000, which he was able to post. This case has become a symbol of the union’s argument that Judge Unger’s decisions are putting innocent lives at risk.
A Call to Action and the Need for Judicial Accountability
The HPOU has made it clear that they will not let this issue fade away without a fight. They have pledged to work alongside the Harris County Deputies’ Organization (FOP 39) to demand real bail reform and judicial accountability. The union has vowed to ensure that Judge Unger’s name is remembered for this "reckless decision" and that the people of Harris County never forget it. They are calling on the public to take notice of Judge Unger’s record and to hold her accountable at the ballot box. Judge Unger is up for re-election in 2026, and the union has made it clear that they will be watching her closely in the lead-up to the election.
The HPOU’s stance is not just about this specific case; it’s about the broader issue of judicial accountability and the need for reforms that prioritize public safety. They argue that the justice system should protect the innocent and hold the guilty accountable, not the other way around. The union has made it clear that they will continue to fight for the safety of their officers and the community they serve, and they are calling on the public to join them in this fight.
In conclusion, the decision by Judge Hilary Unger to grant bond to Dremone Francis has sparked outrage and raised serious concerns about the state of the justice system in Harris County. The HPOU has called for immediate action to address the issue of lenient bonds for violent offenders and has vowed to hold Judge Unger accountable for her decisions. The case has highlighted the need for bail reform and judicial accountability, and the union has made it clear that they will not stay silent in the face of such reckless decisions. The safety of the community depends on it.
