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Harris County leaders facing heavy pressure on violent crime
Harsh words and heavy pressure is being aimed at Harris County leaders over the ongoing failure to lower violent crime, as alleged killers keep bonding out of jail.
HOUSTON - A heavy dose of heartbreak front and center, once again, at Harris County Commissioners Court.
The sister and mother of murder victim Josh Sandoval pleading for an immediate end to the release of violent, repeat offenders on low-cost bond.
"My brother Josh should still be alive today. The criminal justice system in Harris County is broken," said Aimee Castillo, Sandoval's sister.
'We've got to relieve the pressure,' Harris Co. Sheriff says as conditions worsen at jail
Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez first warned of burgeoning hardships inside the overcrowded jail this past January after thousands of assaults and multiple deaths. It appears Harris County commissioners are now taking the jail crisis seriously amid the latest reports of inmates attacking officers.
"I think the criminal justice system is just a revolving door. They murder, they go in, and they come out, and they go in. I think it's a horrible thing," said Glenda Martin, Sandoval's Mother. "It's Joshua today, but it could very well be your family member tomorrow. And what we need to understand, it's not a race issue. It's a moral issue."
BREAKING BOND: MORE OF FOX 26'S ONGOING SERIES ON CRIMINALS OUT ON BOND
The outcry over the ongoing crime wave and erosion of community safety would continue at Commissioner's Court and in dramatic fashion.
Speaking publicly, and in person, former Commissioner Steve Radack returned to attack the Democratic majority, blaming the trio for the breakdown of law and order in Harris County and accusing each of "having blood on their hands."
"Let me just express this as sincerely as I can, you are a disgrace. I never dreamed after 32 years on this court that there would be three members of this court, Hidalgo, Garcia and Ellis who would kiss the rears of hardened criminals, who victimize law-abiding citizens, including law enforcement officers," said Radack.
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"You are spending money everywhere on the dumbest things, but when it gets down to really protecting the citizens of this County you are A-W-O-L. I'm calling on you three to resign from office, so that the healing can begin."
Harris County Commissioners unanimously pass new $2.6 million crime initiative to help tackle violent crime
A new crime initiative called the Harris County Safe program passed unanimously in county commissioners court Tuessday.
Commissioner Garcia was eager to fire back, accusing Radack of shortchanging criminal justice for decades.
"The fact that Commissioner Radack during his time on Commissioner's Court never funded law enforcement the way it should have been is the reason why that now I'm having to pit $130 million more into their budget that they should have had all along. When I was Sheriff he never approved my budgets," said Garcia.
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The commitment to law enforcement and traditional crime control will soon be put to the test.
FOX 26 has learned Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and District Attorney Kim Ogg have requested funding for an additional 1,000 officers in the next budget.
Harris Co. leaders approve more deputies, transfer of jail inmates
FOX 26 Political Reporter Greg Groogan has the latest on what's being done to fight the current crime wave and address issues at the Harris County Jail.