Austin Officer Christopher Taylor Faces New Trial Over 2019 Shooting

Austin Police Officer Christopher Taylor, previously charged with murder in a 2020 shooting, is now facing trial for deadly conduct in a separate case. Taylor is accused of fatally shooting Mauris DeSilva, who was reportedly experiencing a psychotic episode and wielding a knife in 2019.

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Christopher Taylor, an Austin Police Officer who avoided a murder charge in connection with a gunshot that occurred during his duty in 2020, is currently facing a new trial for deadly conduct in a distinct case.

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Taylor is facing charges in relation to the 2019 death of Mauris DeSilva, who was allegedly in the process of brandishing a knife and experiencing a psychotic episode in the vicinity of his downtown condominium. Taylor discharged the shots that killed DeSilva after the police responded to the scene.

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Taylor has previously encountered severe legal repercussions as a result of his actions. He was previously charged with murder in the 2020 shooting of Mike Ramos, who allegedly attempted to escape in his vehicle after officers responded to reports that he was armed and dealing drugs in an apartment parking lot. Taylor was the sole officer to discharge his firearm during that incident. His murder trial concluded in a mistrial, and a grand jury declined to re-indict him at a later date.

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The new prosecution for deadly conduct is centered on the shooting of DeSilva that took place on July 31, 2019. Taylor reportedly discharged the fatal shots while DeSilva was in the midst of a mental health crisis. The case raises concerns regarding the use of lethal force and the response of police to mental health situations.

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