A 19-year-old Texas teen charged with murder has been released after his bond was drastically reduced from $800,000 to just $100 per charge. Stephon Martin Morson, who was accused of fatally shooting 20-year-old Keshawn Cage in the head, was freed from the Travis County Jail in Austin, Texas, on Saturday after posting bail. Cage’s body was found in October, and Morson was taken into custody on November 6, 2024. He was charged with murder and tampering with or fabricating physical evidence.
Initially, Morson’s bond was set at $800,000. However, in a shocking decision, it was recently reduced to $100 for each charge, bringing the total to just $200. Following his release, Morson is now required to wear a GPS monitor, remain under house arrest, and avoid any contact with the victim’s family or potential witnesses, according to CBS Austin.
Austin Police Association Chief Michael Bullock strongly criticized the decision, calling it completely inadequate. Bullock stated that lowering a murder suspect’s bond to such an extent is an insult to the people of Austin, who may now be at greater risk of violent crime. He emphasized that this pattern of releasing dangerous offenders back into the community is contributing to the rise in violent crime.
Bullock also accused local authorities, including the District Attorney, County Attorney, and judges, of failing to prioritize public safety. According to him, their decisions indicate a lack of concern for Austin’s residents and a refusal to collaborate with law enforcement.
He warned that criminals released on bond had been known to commit further violent offences, sometimes even murder. He questioned how many more incidents would have to occur before stricter measures were enforced.
This is not the first time Travis County courts have significantly reduced a suspect’s bond. Bullock noted that multiple judges have made similar decisions in the past. Some released individuals have gone on to avoid further crimes, while others have committed serious offences while out on bond. He warned that the pattern is repeating itself and putting the public at risk.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott also condemned Morson’s release, calling it outrageous. Abbott took to social media to express his frustration, stating that this is exactly why he prioritized bail reform as an emergency issue.
During a recent special session to push for bail reform, Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick also supported Abbott’s stance. Patrick stated that he was prepared to take firm action to ensure that violent offenders do not get out on low bonds. The proposed bail reform bills recently passed an initial vote in the Senate Criminal Justice Committee with a 6-0 approval, putting them on track to becoming law.
Chief Bullock expressed his support for Abbott’s push for stricter bail regulations. He highlighted how excessive leniency in bond decisions allows dangerous criminals to walk free, making law enforcement officers and innocent civilians more vulnerable to crime. He argued that the justice system should focus on law and order rather than political agendas.
For years, crime victims’ rights groups in Texas have been advocating for stricter bail laws, particularly for individuals accused of serious crimes. Rania Mankarious, CEO of Crime Stoppers of Houston, pointed out that in Harris County, numerous violent offenders have been released on low or no bond only to re-offend.
In some cases, these individuals committed additional severe crimes after being released. This trend has raised significant concerns among law enforcement officials and community leaders, who believe that more stringent bail policies are necessary to protect public safety.
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