The man charged with capital murder in the killing of a Harris County deputy last summer is out on bond.
Harris County Court records show that Dremone Francis, 26, posted a $1 million bond Tuesday and was released from jail.
Francis is charged in connection to the July 2024 murder of Harris County Sheriff’s Deputy Fernando Esqueda. Deputy Esqueda, 28, was shot to death while patrolling the northeast side of Harris County.
Esqueda was working undercover when he responded to a call about a man who pistol-whipped a Little Ceasars employee. The suspect was identified as 44-year-old Ronnie Palmer who left the restaurant once deputies arrived on scene. Esqueda followed Palmer to a second location and then the two got into a confrontation, leading to Palmer opening fire on the deputy.
When Palmer arrived at his second location, he and Esqueda got into a confrontation, resulting in Palmer opening fire. Esqueda later died at a hospital.
According to court records, Palmer handed two guns to Francis after he shot Esqueda and told him to get rid of them.
Palmer is being held without bond. He's scheduled to appear in court on Thursday, Feb. 27. His charges are two counts of aggravated assault and capital murder.
Francis is believed to be the only defendant charged with capital murder of a police officer to be out on bond in the last 10 years.
Photo: Harris County Sheriff's Office