WACO, Texas (AP) – Texas Gov. Greg Abbott says changes to the state’s bail system are needed after a man who was out on bond allegedly shot and killed a state trooper on Thanksgiving.
Abbott on Tuesday was joined in Waco by the widow of 41-year-old trooper Damon Allen while calling for judges to have better access to a suspect’s criminal history before setting bond.
Authorities say Dabrett Black shot the trooper with a rifle during a traffic stop last November while out on bond on charges of aggravated assault on a public servant. Black is charged with capital murder in Allen’s death and has pleaded not guilty.
Abbott says only judges and not lower-level magistrates should set bond in felony cases. He’s calling on the Texas Legislature to pass the reforms next year.
Today I proposed a law limiting bail for criminals who repeatedly assault law enforcement officers. A DPS officer was killed by such a criminal out of jail on $15,500 bail. #txlege #BackTheBlue pic.twitter.com/cbN3qTtJsX
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) August 7, 2018
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