Officer Taylor Convicted in DeSilva Shooting Case

Austin police officer Christopher Taylor was found guilty of third-degree felony deadly conduct for the 2019 shooting death of Mauris DeSilva, marking the first time an officer has been convicted for an on-duty shooting in Travis County. DeSilva, a researcher experiencing a mental health crisis, was shot after confronting officers with a knife during a wellness check. The prosecution criticized the officers' failure to use non-lethal methods, while the defense argued Taylor's actions were reasonable. Taylor, previously tried for murder in the death of Michael Ramos in 2020, faced mistrials, making this conviction significant. CCTV and bodycam footage played a crucial role in the case, highlighting District Attorney José Garza's focus on police accountability. Taylor faces up to 10 years in prison and awaits sentencing as concerns over police recruitment and retention grow in the Austin Police Department.