A dramatic incident unfolded in a Texas courtroom when a fight broke out between the family of a 16-year-old murder victim and the suspect, Frank DeLeon Jr., who was pleading guilty to shooting her 22 times in the back. The tense situation escalated further when an inmate, Michael Devon Combs, managed to escape from the courthouse during the chaos. Fortunately, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office swiftly apprehended Combs, bringing him back into custody.
According to reports, Combs freed himself from leg irons and fled from the 176th courtroom on Tuesday morning. His escape occurred just as a brawl erupted between the victim’s family and the murder suspect. Mark Lipkin, Combs’ attorney, revealed that he had spoken with Combs moments before the escape and expressed his disbelief at the turn of events.
Combs had been awaiting a hearing where his bond was set to be revoked due to allegations of him tampering with a GPS monitor and failing to pay court fees. It was expected that a higher bond amount would be issued. The accused had also faced charges of assaulting his girlfriend, including choking her, in March 2022.
The courtroom brawl erupted after the victim’s mother, Anna Machado, called DeLeon a “monster” during her emotional victim impact statement. Video footage captured the moment when Machado left the stand and approached DeLeon, only to be restrained by a bailiff. Another family member then charged at DeLeon, leading to a physical altercation that ended with both men on the ground. Machado’s mother and DeLeon’s mother also got involved in the scuffle.
Amidst the chaos, Combs seized the opportunity to escape. Court security eventually intervened and separated the feuding families. Combs managed to remove his ankle monitor and flee the building before a task force was mobilized to locate and apprehend him. As a result, Combs will now face an additional felony escape charge.
The situation in the Houston courtroom was undoubtedly chaotic and alarming. It highlights the emotional intensity often present during such trials and the need for heightened security measures. The swift response from law enforcement ensured that Combs was quickly apprehended, bringing an end to the episode.
