re: Murder-suicide by confessed killer out on bond, Houston

quote:

---

This is the 9th criminal that Judge Hillary Unger has freed on bond that has gone onto murder someone.

---

WHAT?

Do you have a link?

Not a true source, but this from Grok -

Key Findings on Releases and Subsequent Crimes
Specific Cases Linked to Murder :

Andrew Williams (2021): Unger granted a $150,000 bond to Williams in 2019, who was charged with capital murder and aggravated assault. While out on bond, he allegedly stole a purse from 71-year-old Martha Medina and ran her over with his car, killing her.

Marquice Wear (2021): Unger granted Wear two $5,000 bonds for felony charges related to organized criminal activity (catalytic converter theft). His bond was not revoked after a subsequent theft charge, and he later shot and killed Jerome Cormier, a 42-year-old father, in front of his 12-year-old daughter. A magistrate in Unger’s court then set a $150,000 bond for the murder charge, and Wear was released within a day.

Austin Collette (2024): Collette, who had pleaded guilty to a 2019 murder, was authorized for release by Unger while awaiting sentencing. While on house arrest, he shot and killed his girlfriend before committing suicide.

Louis Shoulders and Wilbert Smith (2020): Unger granted a personal recognizance (PR) bond to Shoulders, a convicted felon, and Smith, who was out on multiple bonds. Both were later charged in the murder of 27-year-old Jecory Miles.

Dremone Francis (2024): Unger set a $1 million bond for Francis, charged with the capital murder of Harris County Deputy Fernando Esqueda. Francis posted bail and was released, though no subsequent crimes by him are reported in the provided data. This case has drawn significant criticism due to the severity of the charge.

Ronnie Palmer (2024): Unger set a $3 million bond for Palmer, also charged with the capital murder of Deputy Esqueda. Palmer remained in jail as of February 2025, but the decision to grant bond was controversial.

Other Cases (Unspecified Defendants): A 2021 FOX 26 Houston report claimed that eight defendants released on bond from Unger’s court went on to commit murder. This figure is cited in multiple sources, including X posts, but specific names beyond Wear, Williams, Shoulders, and Smith are not consistently detailed.

These cases suggest at least eight documented instances where individuals released on bond by Unger or her court were later charged with murder, though the precise number may be higher depending on the interpretation of the "eight defendants" claim.




So, it seems at least 8 were released who went on to commit murder, and others were released on bond after being charged with murder.

This is just ONE judge.

I think it's safe to say there are 100's more like her, and I'd bet she's not even the worst offender.