Editor’s Note: The video above is from previous KXAN coverage of the case in February, when Morson’s bond was increased.
AUSTIN (KXAN) — A recusal hearing is set to take place Monday to bring a new judge in on the murder case involving Stephon Morson, who is accused of killing young father Keshawn Cage in October of 2024.
Morson’s bond has frequently fluctuated since his arrest. It was originally set at $800,000 when he was charged with murder. It was lowered to $100 because the state did not secure an indictment for him within 90 days.
During a hearing in February, Travis County District Court Judge Chantal Eldridge increased Morson’s bond to $100,000 after hearing arguments from the State. She addressed the previous $100 bond, saying while she “did not want to release this defendant on bond,” the law required her to, due to the missed indictment deadline from the State.
Morson was taken back into custody following that hearing.
Morson bonded out on the $100,000 bond in March, then was taken into custody a day later on another charge related to the same October 2024 incident. Brian Erskine, Morson’s attorney, argued that malicious prosecution led to this arrest. While Eldridge did not agree, she still reduced Morson’s bond to $30,000 because it met the same missed-indictment-deadline criteria responsible for the original bond reduction.
Another hearing took place on April 21 to address the indictment-deadline component more specifically, and Morson’s bond was dropped to $100, according to court records. Morson is currently not in custody.
Why Judge Eldridge may be recused from case
In May, Morson’s attorneys filed a motion to recuse Eldridge.
Part of their argument is rooted in comments Eldridge made in open court about the case, like “Mr. Morson, unfortunately I am placed in a terrible position where I am forced to reduce your bond and allow you out on bond. If I had my choice, I would not.”
Another argument from the Defense has to do with evidence claiming Morson caused a disturbance at a memorial event for victim Keshawn Cage.
According to court records, after it was determined there wasn’t enough proof about these allegations via police records, the Judge told the State “if you have an eyewitness that’s going to take the stand and swear under penalty of perjury that she saw the defendant fire a weapon during the memorial service for the decedent, that’s going to be sufficient for me.”
The Defense claims such an action brings Eldrige’s impartiality into question. The State filed a responding motion for the Defense’s motion to be denied.
No cameras are allowed in the courtroom, but we will update this story as the hearing progresses.
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