Austin Police Officer Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for 2019 Shooting Death

Austin Police Officer Christopher Taylor was sentenced on Tuesday to two years in prison for the fatal shooting of Mauris DeSilva in 2019, marking what is believed to be the first criminal conviction and prison sentence for a police officer in Travis County related to the use of force.

The incident occurred in the Spring Condominiums in downtown Austin when Taylor and several other officers responded to a 911 call about a man acting erratically and holding a knife. Upon arriving on the fifth floor of the complex, the officers encountered DeSilva, who had a knife in his hand. Seconds after the elevator doors opened, Taylor shot and killed DeSilva, who was known to have a history of mental illness.

The defense team for Officer Taylor is currently in the process of appealing the conviction, and Taylor will remain free on bond until the appeal is heard.

Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis issued a statement following the sentencing, expressing her sorrow for the tragedy and emphasizing the department’s commitment to reevaluating its training and practices. She acknowledged the challenges faced by both the Austin community and the Austin Police Department, highlighting the importance of transparency, accountability, and ensuring that officers are well-trained, healthy, and equipped to serve the community.

Chief Davis reaffirmed her commitment to improving the department’s policies and procedures to prevent future incidents, stressing that the sanctity of human life and officer safety would remain at the core of their practices.