Texas Teen Accused of Murder Released on Reduced Bond, Sparks Outrage
Stephon Martin Morson, a 19-year-old from Texas, has been released from police custody after his bond was significantly reduced from $800,000 to just $100 per charge. Morson was released from the Travis County Jail in Austin on Saturday after posting bail. He is accused of the shooting death of 20-year-old Keshawn Cage, who was found with a gunshot wound to the head in October.
Bond Reduction and Conditions
Originally set at $800,000, Morson’s bond was recently dropped to $100 for each charge, totaling $200. However, his release comes with conditions, including wearing a GPS monitor, remaining under house arrest, and avoiding contact with the victim’s family or potential witnesses. This reduction in bond has sparked controversy and raised concerns about public safety.
Criticism from Law Enforcement
Austin Police Association President Michael Bullock expressed his disappointment with Morson’s punishment, describing it as “not enough.” Bullock emphasized that reducing the bond for someone accused of murder to such a low amount sends a negative message to the community. He further criticized the District Attorney, County Attorney, and Judges for prioritizing their own political agenda over public safety. Bullock pointed out that this is not an isolated incident, as there have been other cases where bond reductions have had severe consequences, including additional violent crimes committed by those released on bond.
Outrage from State Officials
Texas Governor Greg Abbott condemned Morson’s release, calling it “outrageous.” Abbott has been advocating for bail reform and declared it an emergency item. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick also expressed his support for bail reform and stated his willingness to take strong measures to prevent the release of violent offenders on bail. Last week, the Senate Criminal Justice Committee passed a bail reform package by a unanimous vote of 6-0, marking progress towards tougher bail legislation.
The Need for Bail Reform
Crime victims’ advocates in Texas have been pushing for stronger bail legislation for years, particularly in cases involving heinous crimes. There have been instances in the past where criminal offenders were released on low or no bond, only to reoffend, sometimes with violent acts. Rania Mankarious, CEO of Crime Stoppers of Houston, highlighted the urgency of implementing stricter bail regulations to protect both citizens and law enforcement officers.
Looking Ahead
The release of Stephon Martin Morson on reduced bond has ignited a debate about the effectiveness of the current bail system in Texas. As the state moves forward with bail reform legislation, the focus remains on ensuring public safety while respecting the rights of the accused.
