Former Selma resident Katie Beasley believes the state’s bail bond system is unfair.

One of Beasley’s three children, Antonio Boykin, was murdered on June 1, 2013. A jury eventually found Deandre Keon Fuller guilty and sentenced him to life in prison without parole for murdering Boykin in 2016. Fuller was out on bond for a 2011 murder when he murdered Boykin.

Fuller is the latest in a line of defendants charged with murder, then charged for another murder while out on bail. It’s part of a growing problem, according to Dallas County Sherriff-elect Mike Granthum who has an easy solution.

“If the Judge, DA, Sherriff and police want to keep somebody in jail, they should put out a $20,000 cash bond,” Granthum said. “If you want to keep them in jail, put a $10,000 cash bond on them. That means they have to pay $10,000 to get out.”

Beasley said changes to the bond process has been long overdue.

“The victims don’t get a break in this system,” Beasley said. “When judges put people in jail, they need to stay in jail. The judges don’t want to keep people in jail.”

In 2011, police arrested Fuller and John C. Brown for allegedly firing shots into 12th Stone, a downtown club, which has since closed. Fuller’s sister, Levisha Fuller, was killed in the shooting that wounded four others.

Fuller’s bond for the 2011 charge was originally set at $1 million, according to Dallas County District Attorney Michael Jackson, but Circuit Court Judge Marvin Wiggins later lowered it to $100,000.

After being released on bond, Fuller was identified as the suspect in an attack that took place May 30 in the 1300 block of Washington Street. Police said Fuller allegedly pistol-whipped a victim who had to be hospitalized.

Two days later, Boykin was shot multiple times just inside the doorway of his King Street home. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Dallas County District Court Judge Bob Armstrong gave Fuller no bond.

Jackson said Fuller should’ve never been released on bond.

“I wish the judges would understand why these bonds are set and asked for in the first place,” Jackson said. “With some individuals, we know they need to be held and are a danger to the community. Mr. Fuller was one of those individuals.”

Beasley said the life sentence for Fuller isn’t enough.

“I don’t like it, he should get the death penalty,” Beasley said.

Beasley said Boykin’s death had a huge impact on the family.

“It affected the whole family,” Beasley said. “Everyone in my family was close to him. He was a good kid and had a lot of friends.”

Dallas County District Court Judge Bob Armstrong said a lot of things go into consideration whenever he sets bonds.

“I don’t take any joy in setting bonds,” Armstrong said. “It makes me sick to my stomach. I care about everyone who comes before me in this courtroom, but I have to consider the community. The judge is the only one in the system who has to balance both sides.”

Beasley, who didn’t reveal her current residence, said the memories of losing her son will remain in her heart forever. Beasley said Boykin had planned to attend Wallace Community College-Selma and begin his dreams to become an architect. He initially attended Auburn, but returned to Selma and was about to attend WCCS.

“I’m going on and I think about Antonio every day, I get through with a lot of praying,” Beasley said. “It will take some time for me to get over his death.”