Another infuriating move by the social justice warrior judges in Harris County.
A man charged with the death of another Houston man last summer, got out of jail Thursday and did not have to post any bond upfront to be released, according to court documents.
David Cruz, 29, successfully argued to Judge Dasean Jones that coronavirus presented a threat to his health, despite him having no underlying medical condition listed, according to court documents.
Cruz is accused of shooting and killing Christian Tristan, 27, last August at Tristan’s home, according to court documents. Tristan was found dead near the front door with a gunshot wound to his head, records show.
“You charged him with murder and you released him knowing that he murdered my son? And I felt like my son his life meant nothing, that’s what I felt,” said Ruth Tristan, the victim’s mother.
Houston’s top law enforcement officials are not happy that a murder suspect is walking the streets.
Joe Gamaldi with the Houston Police Officers’ Union tells the Houston Chronicle the move by Judge Dasean Jones is “completely irresponsible and ridiculous.”
Gamaldi says, “certainly we understand the risk of anyone catching COVID-19," Gamaldi said, saying “it is a miscarriage of justice what Judge Dasean Jones has done to our community and our victim's family while we are at our most vulnerable."
Gamaldi adds that “this is someone who is facing a murder charge and the only thing that is guaranteeing his appearance in court is a signature on a piece of paper..."
HPD Chief Art Acevedo tweeted that the judge’s move was “outrageous”, adding that “some of our activist judges & officials must not be allowed to use COVID19 as a pretext to release dangerous people. Speak up Houston! These suspects are quarantined in jail. We need to hold people accountable for these wanton decisions.”
Chief Acevedo adds “If judges think we are going to forget about their reckless decisions and irresponsible activism they are wrong. We are watching, history is watching, and we WILL continue to speak out. Don’t forget when it comes time to vote. At a time when there is so much anxiety this judge and others want to add to that anxiety by haphazardly releasing dangerous people loose! Outrageous.”
Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzales points out that "this should not be considered a compassion release." He adds that his office had nothing to do with it and that it was "done under the sole authority of a Judge. My condolences go out to the deceased victim’s family."