On Monday, June 9, 2025, KXAN reported that a recusal hearing was held regarding the murder case of Stephon Morson, accused of killing Keshawn Cage, a young father, in October 2024. The hearing aimed to determine whether Judge Chantal Eldridge should be removed from the case. After considering arguments from both the prosecution and defense, the visiting judge ultimately denied the defense’s motion, allowing Judge Eldridge to continue presiding over the case.

The defense, represented by attorneys Brian Erskine and Steven Brand, filed the recusal motion in May, citing concerns about Judge Eldridge’s impartiality. They pointed to comments she made in open court, expressing discomfort about having to reduce Morson’s bond. Judge Eldridge reportedly stated, “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.” This statement, the defense argued, indicated a bias against Morson.

Additionally, the defense raised concerns about allegations that Morson caused a disturbance during a memorial event for the victim, Keshawn Cage. However, court records indicated insufficient evidence to substantiate these claims at the time. During the hearing, Judge Eldridge had remarked that if the State could provide an eyewitness willing to testify under penalty of perjury that Morson fired a weapon at the memorial, it would be sufficient to reconsider his bond.

In response, the prosecution argued that the defense’s claims of bias were unfounded and did not meet the legal standards for a judge’s recusal. They emphasized that a judge’s comments must significantly impact court proceedings to warrant such action. The prosecution also highlighted evidence suggesting that Morson posed a threat to public safety, asserting that Judge Eldridge’s remarks stemmed from her duty to balance due process with community safety, rather than any personal bias.

The visiting judge presiding over the recusal hearing concluded that while the defense’s motion was not frivolous, it did not merit Judge Eldridge’s removal from the case. Consequently, she will remain in charge of the proceedings.

Morson’s bond has seen significant fluctuations since his initial arrest. Originally set at $800,000, it was lowered to $100 when the State failed to secure an indictment within 90 days. Following a hearing in February, Judge Eldridge raised Morson’s bond to $100,000 after hearing arguments from the State, emphasizing that she was compelled by law to act due to the missed indictment deadline, despite her reluctance to release Morson.

After being released on the $100,000 bond in March, Morson was rearrested the following day on a separate charge related to the same incident from October 2024. The defense contended that this arrest was a result of malicious prosecution, a claim Judge Eldridge did not uphold, although she subsequently reduced Morson’s bond to $30,000 based on the same legal criteria.

A hearing on April 21 further addressed the indictment deadline issue, resulting in Morson’s bond being lowered again to $100. As of the latest updates, Morson is not in custody.

 

 

Source: KXAN