A 27-year-old man facing capital murder and tampering with evidence charges in connection with the murder of Harris County Sheriff’s Deputy Fernando Esqueda has been released on a $1 million bond, according to court records.
Release Sparks Outrage
Dremone Francis was released from jail on Tuesday after posting bond, making him the only defendant in the past 10 years to be out on bond while facing a capital murder charge for killing a police officer in Harris County.
Prosecutors initially sought to deny bond, but a required hearing was not held within 10 days of his arrest. After three months, Francis’ attorney requested a bond, and Judge Hilary Unger legally had to set one. In November, the judge set bond at $500,000, which was later increased to $1 million.
The Harris County Deputies’ Organization FOP Lodge 39 issued a statement expressing frustration over Francis’ release, calling it “outrageous and appalling.”
Jose Lopez, president of the deputies’ organization, criticized the decision:
“This is a horrible message to send to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office deputies, to Deputy Esqueda’s family, and to law enforcement officers. The judge is saying that their lives and service mean absolutely nothing.”
Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez also condemned the release, posting on X:
“This is an absolutely terrible message, and the family of Deputy Esqueda should 100% be upset, which they are.”
The Murder of Deputy Esqueda
The tragic incident occurred in July 2024, when 28-year-old Deputy Esqueda was fatally shot while on duty in northeast Harris County.
Authorities say the incident began when a suspect, 44-year-old Ronnie Palmer, pistol-whipped a Little Caesars employee over a wrong food order. Esqueda, working undercover, followed Palmer after he fled the restaurant.
At a second location, a confrontation between Esqueda and Palmer turned deadly, with Palmer opening fire on the deputy. When other officers arrived, they found Esqueda’s patrol car riddled with bullets. He was rushed to a hospital but did not survive.
Francis’ Alleged Role in the Crime
After the shooting, Palmer allegedly handed two firearms to Francis, instructing him to dispose of them. Court records reveal that Francis later attempted to sell the guns via text messages.
While Francis has been released on bond, Palmer remains in jail without bond and is facing capital murder charges, along with two counts of aggravated assault for the attack on the restaurant worker. His next court appearance is scheduled for February 27.
