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

Judge Hilary Unger of the 248th District Criminal Court in Harris County, Texas, has once again found herself at the center of controversy after setting a $3 million bond for Ronnie Palmer, the second suspect charged with capital murder in the death of Harris County Deputy Fernando Esqueda. This move has sparked outrage from the Houston Police Officers’ Union and the Harris County Deputies’ Organization, who have described Judge Unger as a “rogue” and an activist.

Palmer, who has been in jail since July with no bond on the capital murder charge until now, is also facing two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in connection with Esqueda’s death. The bond for these charges has been set at $50,000 each. This decision comes just one day after the release of the other suspect in Esqueda’s murder, Dremone Francis, who posted the $1 million bond set in November 2024.

The Harris County Deputies’ Organization expressed their outrage on social media, calling Judge Unger’s decision a “disgrace” and criticizing her for allowing a suspect charged with murdering a law enforcement officer to potentially return to the streets. The organization shared a court document showing where Unger set Palmer’s bond for the capital murder charge at $3 million, despite Texas law allowing for bond denial in capital murder cases.

Defense attorney Cheryl Irvin defended Judge Unger’s decision, stating that she was not involved in setting bond for Francis and that nobody objected to it from the district attorney’s office in the previous administration. Irvin emphasized that everyone has the right to reasonable bail under the 8th amendment, and that the bond set for the co-defendant was considered proper by the judge.

Judge Unger, who is up for re-election in 2026, has a history of prioritizing alternatives to incarceration and rehabilitation in her court. However, critics argue that her decisions have often favored criminals over victims and have undermined law enforcement efforts in the community. The Houston Police Officers’ Union warns that judges like Unger are emboldening repeat offenders and violent criminals by refusing to hold them accountable.

As the controversy continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Judge Unger’s decisions will impact the criminal justice system in Harris County. The Harris County District Attorney’s Office and the 248th District Court have yet to comment on the situation.