Stephon Morson, accused of murder, is released after a controversial bond reduction sparks outrage from officials.
Morson, 19, is accused of fatally shooting 20-year-old Keshawn Cage. Police discovered Cage in Austin, Texas, with a gunshot wound to his head.
Morson posted bail and was released from jail last Saturday. He had been booked on November 6 of the previous year, facing charges of murder and tampering with evidence.
The original bond was set at $800,000, before it was reduced to $100 per charge, totaling $200. As conditions of his release, he must wear a GPS monitor, remain at home, and avoid contact with the victim’s family and any potential witnesses.
The Austin Police Association has expressed their dissatisfaction with the bond reduction. Michael Bullock, the association’s president, believes the lowered bond is insufficient, calling it a “slap in the face” to the community.
Bullock asserts that the repeated release of violent criminals contributes to rising crime rates. He argues that leaders are failing to protect citizens and are not adequately cooperating with law enforcement.
Bullock referenced instances where criminals released on bond have committed further acts of violence. He noted that judges frequently reduce bonds in cases involving serious offenses, spanning a range of courts and including murder and sexual assault.
While some individuals released on bond do not reoffend, others do, Bullock emphasized. Tragically, some have even committed murder after being released, despite already facing violent charges.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has also voiced his strong disapproval, describing Morson’s release as “outrageous.” He believes that judges should not release individuals accused of dangerous murders.
Abbott advocates for holding accountable those who release criminals, proposing legal consequences should someone be harmed. Crime victim advocates are also pushing for stricter bail laws.
Crime Stoppers of Houston highlighted past instances in Harris County where offenders released on low or no bond reoffended, sometimes violently. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick supports Abbott’s stance and is prepared to adopt an aggressive approach to bail reform, aiming to keep violent offenders incarcerated. He noted a bail reform package recently passed a critical step in the Senate Criminal Justice Committee with a 6-0 vote.