KAUFMAN, TX — Kaufman County Criminal District Attorney Erleigh Norville Wiley issued a strong public statement this week in support of Governor Greg Abbott’s proposed bail reform, following the disappearance of capital murder suspect Trevor McEuen who failed to appear for trial.
The suspect, Trevor McEuen, was indicted for the capital murder of Aaron Martinez and had been released on a $2 million bond, one of the highest bond amounts ever set in a Kaufman County murder case. Despite objections from the DA’s Office, McEuen posted bond and later vanished before his scheduled court date.
In a press release issued May 8, DA Wiley reaffirmed her office’s commitment to the Martinez family, stating that they were fully prepared to begin trial this week. Instead, the court forfeited McEuen’s bond and issued a warrant for his arrest.
“Justice for the Martinez family will come,” Wiley said. “In the meantime, we ask the public to stay alert and help us ensure the safety of our community.”
McEuen had been subject to strict bond conditions, including electronic monitoring and house arrest. But as DA Wiley explained, Texas law still required the court to set a bond, even in a capital murder case.
Why Was Bond Set?
Under the Texas Constitution, individuals accused of most crimes — including capital murder — are entitled to bond while awaiting trial, unless prosecutors meet extremely high legal standards to hold a defendant without bond. Judges are legally required to set a bail amount and in most cases may not hold a defendant on a No Bond.Â
DA Wiley stated that her office vigorously opposed any effort to reduce McEuen’s bond. Ultimately, the court imposed a $2 million bond — double the standard for similar cases — along with some of the strictest pretrial conditions available. Still, McEuen posted bond and absconded, highlighting what Wiley says is a flaw in the current legal framework.
“Whether the bond is $2 million, $5 million, or more—if a defendant can post it, they will walk free,” Wiley said.
Her statement echoed a growing concern among prosecutors statewide thatTexas law ties judges’ hands, preventing them from denying bail even in cases involving violent or repeat offenders. That could change under Governor Abbott’s proposed constitutional amendment, which would allow judges broader discretion to deny bail when public safety is at risk.
Wiley called the amendment “both timely and necessary,” pointing to McEuen’s flight as an example of what can happen under the current system.
The Kaufman County Sheriff’s Office is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to McEuen’s capture. In the meantime, the DA’s Office is maintaining close contact with the Martinez family as they continue seeking justice for Aaron.
Anyone with information on Trevor McEuen’s whereabouts is urged to contact local law enforcement immediately.