Texas Governor Greg Abbott has issued a $30,000 reward for information leading to the capture of capital murder suspect Trevor McEuen, who fled after being released on bond by a Kaufman County judge. The case has reignited calls for bail reform in Texas, which Abbott says is critical to keeping dangerous criminals off the streets.
McEuen, charged with the 2023 murder of Aaron Martinez and four additional counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, failed to appear in court on May 5. Authorities say he cut off his ankle monitor and absconded. The suspect was released on bond by 422nd District Court Judge Shelton TW Gibbs IV, a Republican.
“This case is exactly why Texas must fix its broken and deadly bail system,” Abbott said. “A violent criminal like McEuen charged with capital murder should never be released on our streets.”
The reward includes $20,000 from Kaufman County Crime Stoppers and the Sheriff’s Office, plus an additional $10,000 pledged by Abbott. The total reward now stands at $30,000.
The incident comes as the Texas Legislature debates a critical bond reform bill. Senate Joint Resolution 5 (SJR 5), led by State Senator Joan Huffman, passed the Senate 28-2 and would place a constitutional amendment on the ballot. The amendment would allow judges to deny bail to those charged with serious violent crimes such as murder and aggravated assault.
Abbott has made bail reform an emergency legislative priority and has begun a public campaign to pressure House Democrats to support the measure. Despite initial resistance tied to unrelated school voucher legislation, a compromise now appears within reach.
House Democratic Caucus Chairman Gene Wu signaled support, saying the amended bill offers a serious solution for community safety. The reform package includes provisions for denying bail in violent crime cases unless there is overwhelming evidence the defendant poses no risk to the public.
Abbott’s plan would also require judges to explain lenient bail decisions in writing and give prosecutors the power to challenge those rulings.
As the legislative process continues, the manhunt for McEuen remains active.
