Austin Police Officer Found Guilty in Fatal Shooting

Austin police officer Christopher Taylor was convicted Saturday of deadly conduct in the 2019 shooting of Mauris DeSilva, a man holding a knife. This marks the first time an officer has been convicted for an on-duty shooting in Travis County.

Key Facts:

• Taylor showed no visible emotion as the verdict was read on the fourth day of deliberations.
• The shooting occurred in July 2019 when DeSilva, a 46-year-old Sri Lankan researcher with mental health issues, threatened himself with a knife.
• Officer Karl Krycia also faces charges for the shooting.

Background:

• This was Taylor's second trial in a year for an on-duty shooting; the first ended in a deadlocked jury in the 2023 murder trial of Michael Ramos.
• The guilty verdict is the first successful prosecution by the Travis County DA's civil rights unit for an officer's use of force.

Legal Implications:

• Deadly conduct is a third-degree felony in Texas, carrying a 2-10 year prison sentence.
• Taylor's attorneys requested Judge Dayna Blazey to decide sentencing and recommend probation.
• Sentencing date is yet to be set; lawyers will meet on Oct. 15 to agree on a date.
• Convictions typically result in the revocation of a peace officer's license.

Justice for DeSilva Family

DeSilva's family was not present for the verdict, but their lawyer, Brad Vinson, issued a statement:

“Dr. Mauris DeSilva was a brilliant man experiencing a profound mental health episode. He was a danger only to himself. He should have been confronted, he should have been cared for, he should not have been killed ... This verdict is the first step in getting them the justice that they deserve.”

Taylor's attorneys, Doug O'Connell and Ken Ervin, have yet to comment.

Official Statements:

• DA José Garza: "We hope this outcome ... helps the DeSilva family with their healing process.”
• Austin Police Department: "We respect the criminal justice process and understand this is a difficult time for all who have been impacted.”
• Austin Police Association President Michael Bullock: “This verdict puts the entire City at risk.”

Trial Details:

• The trial began on Sept. 25, with jury deliberations starting Wednesday.
• Several hearings addressed jury issues, including a juror's safety concerns and another using electronic devices during deliberations.
• Defense requested a mistrial, which was denied.
• The DA sought sanctions against defense attorneys for social media statements, also denied.

Further Reading:

• Travis County District Attorney's Office
• Austin Police Department