Overview

• Dremone Francis, charged with capital murder and evidence tampering in the 2024 death of Deputy Fernando Esqueda, was released after posting a $1 million bond and placed under house arrest.
• Judge Hilary Unger set the bond for Francis in November 2024 after prosecutors failed to hold a timely hearing to deny bail, a decision criticized by law enforcement and public officials.
• Ronald Palmer, Francis’ co-defendant and the alleged shooter, was granted a $3 million bond on Thursday, though he remains in custody as of now.
• Law enforcement unions and officials have condemned the bail decisions, arguing they undermine public safety and send a harmful message to the community and law enforcement personnel.
• Judge Unger defended her actions as constitutionally required, emphasizing that prosecutors did not pursue hearings that could have denied bail in these cases.