In a move that has been met with criticism and concern, 19-year-old Stephon Martin Morson has been released from the Travis County Jail after his bond was remarkably reduced. Originally held on a bond of $800,000, Morson's bond for charges of murder and tampering/fabricating physical evidence was recently dropped to $100 per charge, leading to a total of $200 for his release. According to a report by CBS Austin, the conditions for his release include wearing a GPS monitor, remaining under house arrest, and avoiding contact with the victim's family and potential witnesses.
Following the reduction of his bond, Governor Greg Abbott took to social media to express his indignation. "This is outrageous. It's why I made bail reform an Emergency Item," Abbott stated in a post. In a separate occurrence, Fox News Digital reported that Austin Police Association President Michael Bullock criticized the decision harshly, saying, "For a man accused of murder to have his bond reduced so low that he’s able to walk free is a slap in the face to Austinites who could potentially become the next victim." He calls into question the increase in violent crimes associated with the release of criminals on bond. Bullock's statement, obtained by Fox News Digital, expressed frustration with the local judicial system, claiming a lack of concern for public safety and an adherence to a political agenda.
Morson is accused of the fatal shooting of 20-year-old Keshawn Cage last October. Upon arrival at the scene on Burton Drive in Southeast Austin, officers discovered Cage with a gunshot wound to the head. After being reduced, the Austin Police Association says it is not enough, arguing that Morson's release is an example of the "convoluted system" that jeopardizes the safety of residents, as reported by CBS Austin.
The case has reignited debates around bail reform and the reoffense risk posed by individuals accused of violent crimes. Michael Bullock echoed these concerns, telling Fox News Digital, "We’ve had some where they may not reoffend, but then we’ve had others who do reoffend," as he referenced instances of reoffense post-bail in multiple courts. Governor Abbott and others are pushing for reforms that would make it tougher for judges to release those accused of violent crimes on bond. Meanwhile, Crime Stoppers of Houston CEO Rania Mankarious, who is not related to this particular case, has highlighted the past failures in Harris County where offenders were let out on low or no bond and then sometimes proceeded to commit violent acts again.
The recent legislative efforts to amend bail procedures in Texas gained traction with the Senate Criminal Justice Committee passing a bail reform package by a vote of 6-0. These events arrive amid a wider context where both law enforcement and crime victims' advocates are calling for tighter regulations on bail for egregious crimes. Despite attempts by Fox News Digital to obtain a comment from the Travis County District Attorney’s Office, there has not been an immediate response at the time of this report.
