Officer Trigger-Happy Found Guilty, World Keeps Spinning

In a shocking turn of events that rocked the basement I dwell in, Austin police officer Christopher Taylor was found guilty of deadly conduct for his part in the fatal 2019 shooting of a man wielding a knife. This verdict marks the first time an officer has been convicted for an on-duty shooting in Travis County. Cue the sad trombone.

Taylor, who's been with the Austin Police Department for a decade, showed about as much emotion as a rock when the verdict was read. His attorney Doug O'Connell patted him on the back, probably checking if Taylor was still breathing.

The victim, Mauris DeSilva, was a 46-year-old Sri Lankan researcher and scientist with a history of mental health issues. He was having a bad day and threatening himself with a knife. Police officers, including Taylor and Karl Krycia, showed up and decided to escalate the situation by drawing their firearms. Shockingly, DeSilva moved towards them, and they shot him. Who could have seen that coming?

Krycia is also facing charges, because apparently, shooting someone while on duty is frowned upon.

This case received a lot of attention because it's the second time in a year that Taylor faced trial for an on-duty shooting. Last time, jurors couldn't decide if he was guilty, leading to Austin's 2020 social justice protests. Thanks, Taylor.

Travis County District Attorney José Garza made it his mission to hold police accountable. In his first term, he's secured an unprecedented number of indictments against officers, but this is his first conviction. Way to set the bar low, Garza.

DeSilva's family was represented by Brad Vinson, who said there was "more than enough evidence" that officers failed to properly attend to DeSilva. Ya think?

"Dr. Mauris DeSilva was a brilliant man experiencing a profound mental health episode," Vinson said. "He should have been cared for, he should not have been killed."

Taylor's attorneys were too busy picking their noses to comment immediately but promised a statement later.

The Austin Police Department gave a standard canned response, saying they respect the criminal justice process. Meanwhile, Austin Police Association President Michael Bullock cried about the verdict putting the "entire City at risk." Boo-hoo.

The trial was a mess, with jurors misbehaving and attorneys fighting over social media. Judge Dayna Blazey denied all motions, probably out of frustration with the circus.

Taylor's sentencing date isn't set yet, but it's safe to say he won't be winning any awards for Police Officer of the Year. Stay tuned for more thrilling news from the comfort of my mom's basement.

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