Texas teen murder suspect Stephon Martin Morson walks free after judge slashes bond from $800,000 to $200, sparking outrage and calls for bail reform.
Quick Takes
- 19-year-old Stephon Martin Morson, accused of murdering Keshawn Cage, released on $200 bond.
- Texas Governor Greg Abbott calls release “outrageous,” demands accountability.
- Austin Police Association President criticizes bond reduction as insufficient for public safety.
- Case ignites debate on bail reform and handling of violent crime suspects in Texas.
- State officials push for tougher bail legislation to prevent release of violent offenders.
Controversial Bond Reduction Sparks Fury
In a move that has ignited fierce debate across Texas, 19-year-old murder suspect Stephon Martin Morson was released from Travis County Jail in Austin after his bond was dramatically reduced from nearly $1 million to a mere $200. Morson, charged with the murder of 20-year-old Keshawn Cage, who was found with a fatal gunshot wound to the head, faced charges of murder and tampering with physical evidence.
The bond reduction, set at $100 for each charge, has sent shockwaves through law enforcement and political circles. While the conditions of Morson’s release include wearing a GPS monitor, house arrest, and no contact with the victim’s family or potential witnesses, many argue these measures are woefully inadequate given the severity of the charges.
Texas teen charged with murder released after bond reduced from $800K to $100 per charge: 'This is outrageous' https://t.co/761cTR5mxT
— Fox News (@FoxNews) February 17, 2025
Law Enforcement and Political Leaders React
Austin Police Association President Michael Bullock did not mince words in his criticism of the bond reduction. He warned of the potential dangers to public safety and expressed frustration with what he sees as a pattern of leniency in Travis County’s justice system.
“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. The revolving door of violent criminals constantly released back onto the streets of Austin is exactly why we have seen violent crime increase.” – Michael Bullock
Texas Governor Greg Abbott echoed these sentiments, taking to social media to express his outrage and call for accountability. The governor, who has made bail reform an emergency item on his agenda, warned of potential legal consequences for those responsible for Morson’s release if harm comes to anyone as a result.
Push for Bail Reform in Texas
The controversial release of Morson has reinvigorated efforts to reform Texas’s bail system. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick has voiced strong support for bail reform, pledging to take decisive action to prevent the release of violent offenders. The Senate Criminal Justice Committee has already passed a bail reform package with unanimous support, signaling a growing consensus on the need for change.
“These stipulations can be put in place, but we’ve seen how people ignore house arrest orders, they cut ankle monitors,” said Michael Bullock, President of the Austin Police Association. “We have seen instances in San Antonio and Harris County where people have been freed after being accused of shooting or murdering people and then they’ve murdered more people.”
Advocates for crime victims in Texas have been at the forefront of pushing for tougher bail legislation. Their concerns stem from a series of incidents where offenders released on bond have gone on to commit additional crimes, highlighting the potential risks to public safety under the current system.
Broader Implications for Travis County
The Morson case is not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern in Travis County where judges have reduced bonds for violent crime suspects. This trend has raised serious questions about the balance between defendants’ rights and public safety, with critics arguing that the current approach prioritizes political agendas over the wellbeing of the community.
As the debate rages on, the Travis County District Attorney’s Office has remained silent, failing to respond to inquiries from multiple news outlets. This lack of transparency has only fueled further criticism and calls for accountability within the justice system.
The controversial release of Stephon Martin Morson serves as a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over bail reform in Texas and beyond. As state legislators consider new measures to address these concerns, the case underscores the complex challenges facing the criminal justice system in balancing public safety with the rights of the accused.
Sources:
- ‘OUTRAGEOUS’ Fury as teen murder suspect Stephon Martin Morson is FREED after judge reduces bond from $800k to just $200
- Austin teen charged with murder released after bond reduced from $800,000 to $100
- Texas teen charged with murder released after bond reduced from $800K to $100 per charge: ‘This is outrageous’
