Trigger Warning: Police Brutality, Justice Served

In a shocking turn of events that left even the most jaded liberals raising their eyebrows, Austin police officer Christopher Taylor was finally found guilty of deadly conduct in the 2019 fatal shooting of Mauris DeSilva, a Sri Lankan researcher with a history of mental health issues. Yes, you heard it right—a cop was actually convicted for an on-duty shooting in Travis County. Gasp!

As the unanimous verdict was read on Saturday, Taylor—who probably thought he'd get away with it—showed no emotion. Shocker. His attorney, Doug O'Connell, patted him on the back in a futile attempt at consolation.

But let's rewind. DeSilva was having a mental health crisis and threatening himself with a knife. Instead of de-escalating the situation, officers Taylor and Karl Krycia drew their firearms, yelled commands, and shot him as the elevator doors opened. Because apparently, that's how you "serve and protect."

Here's where it gets even juicier. This wasn't Taylor's first rodeo. Jurors deadlocked in his murder trial for the death of Michael Ramos just last year. And get this—Saturday's verdict is the first successful attempt by the civil rights unit of the Travis County DA's office to secure a conviction for a police officer's use of force. Let that sink in.

But wait, there's more! District Attorney José Garza, who rode the wave of nationwide protests against police brutality to win the DA's office, has been on a roll. Four trials, an unprecedented number of indictments—and now, a conviction. Mic drop

Now, let's talk sentencing. Deadly conduct is a third-degree felony in Texas, carrying a prison sentence of two to 10 years. Taylor's attorneys asked the judge to decide his fate, hoping for probation. Because, you know, killing an unarmed man in a mental health crisis deserves nothing more than a slap on the wrist. Eye roll

In a statement, Brad Vinson, representing the DeSilva family, emphasized that Mauris was a "danger only to himself" and that officers "failed" to properly attend to him. Ya think?

Meanwhile, the Austin Police Association's president, Michael Bullock, whined about the verdict putting the "entire City at risk." Oh, the irony.

And in true 2023 fashion, the trial wasn't without its share of drama—jurors using phones and laptops, defense attorneys asking for mistrials, and even calls for sanctions over social media statements. But alas, justice prevailed.

So, pour one out for Mauris DeSilva, folks. And let's hope this verdict sets a precedent for holding cops accountable when they use excessive force. It's about damn time.

For more on this story, check out these links:

• Statement from the DeSilva family's attorney
• Statement from the Austin Police Department
• Statement from the Austin Police Association