Austin, Texas, December 31, 2025
An appeals court has acquitted Austin police officer Christopher Taylor of all charges related to the fatal 2019 shooting of Mauris DeSilva. The court ruled that Taylor’s actions were justified during the incident when he confronted a man with a knife, who was in a mental health crisis. This decision reverses Taylor’s previous conviction for deadly conduct, making it a significant case in the context of police accountability in Texas.
Austin, Texas
Appeals Court Acquits Officer Christopher Taylor in 2019 Fatal Shooting
AUSTIN, Texas — An appeals court has overturned the conviction of Austin police officer Christopher Taylor in the 2019 fatal shooting of Mauris DeSilva, acquitting him of all charges. The Seventh Court of Appeals ruled that the evidence justified Taylor’s actions during the incident.
Details of the Incident
On July 31, 2019, officers responded to a 911 call reporting a man with a knife inside a downtown Austin condominium. Upon arrival, they encountered DeSilva, who was experiencing a mental health crisis and holding a knife to his own throat. Body-worn camera footage shows DeSilva turning toward the officers, reorienting the knife away from himself and toward them, and advancing in their direction. The officers had no meaningful avenue of retreat or ability to create distance. DeSilva, by contrast, had the hallway behind him and did not retreat. In response, Taylor and another officer fired their weapons, fatally wounding DeSilva. Taylor was initially convicted of deadly conduct in October 2024 and sentenced to two years in prison. He was free on bond pending the outcome of the appeal. The appeals court’s decision to reverse the judgment of the trial court was based on “legal sufficiency” and not a reweighting of evidence.
Background on the Case
In August 2021, Taylor was indicted for murder in connection with DeSilva’s death. The charge was later reduced to deadly conduct before the trial began. In October 2024, a jury found Taylor guilty of deadly conduct, marking the first time an officer in Travis County was found criminally liable for an on-duty fatal shooting. Taylor was sentenced to two years in prison but remained free on bond during the appeals process. The appeals court’s recent decision overturns this conviction, effectively acquitting Taylor of all charges related to the incident.
Context on Police Accountability in Texas
Convictions of law enforcement officers for on-duty shootings are rare in Texas. In nearly half a century, only one officer in the state has been tried and convicted of murder for an on-duty shooting. The acquittal of Officer Taylor underscores the complexities involved in prosecuting such cases and the challenges in holding law enforcement accountable for actions taken during the course of duty.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was the outcome of Officer Christopher Taylor’s appeal?
An appeals court overturned the conviction of Austin police officer Christopher Taylor in the 2019 fatal shooting of Mauris DeSilva, acquitting him of all charges. The Seventh Court of Appeals ruled that the evidence justified Taylor’s actions during the incident.
What happened during the 2019 incident involving Officer Taylor?
On July 31, 2019, officers responded to a 911 call reporting a man with a knife inside a downtown Austin condominium. Upon arrival, they encountered Mauris DeSilva, who was experiencing a mental health crisis and holding a knife to his own throat. Body-worn camera footage shows DeSilva turning toward the officers, reorienting the knife away from himself and toward them, and advancing in their direction. The officers had no meaningful avenue of retreat or ability to create distance. DeSilva, by contrast, had the hallway behind him and did not retreat. In response, Officer Taylor and another officer fired their weapons, fatally wounding DeSilva.
What was the legal outcome prior to the appeal?
In August 2021, Officer Taylor was indicted for murder in connection with DeSilva’s death. The charge was later reduced to deadly conduct before the trial began. In October 2024, a jury found Taylor guilty of deadly conduct, marking the first time an officer in Travis County was found criminally liable for an on-duty fatal shooting. Taylor was sentenced to two years in prison but remained free on bond during the appeals process.
How rare are convictions of law enforcement officers for on-duty shootings in Texas?
Convictions of law enforcement officers for on-duty shootings are rare in Texas. In nearly half a century, only one officer in the state has been tried and convicted of murder for an on-duty shooting. The acquittal of Officer Taylor underscores the complexities involved in prosecuting such cases and the challenges in holding law enforcement accountable for actions taken during the course of duty.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | July 31, 2019 |
| Location | Downtown Austin, Texas |
| Officer Involved | Christopher Taylor |
| Victim | Mauris DeSilva |
| Initial Charge | Murder (later reduced to deadly conduct) |
| Trial Outcome | Guilty of deadly conduct (October 2024) |
| Appeals Court Decision | Acquittal of all charges (December 2025) |
| Significance | First officer in Travis County found criminally liable for an on-duty fatal shooting |
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The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
