Austin Police officer Christopher Taylor won't be re-tried in Michael Ramos case

AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- The prosecution of an Austin Police officer in connection with the death of Michael Ramos in April 2020 is effectively over, after a Travis County grand jury declined to issue indictments in the case on Tuesday.

APD Officer Christopher Taylor shot and killed Ramos during an encounter in April 2020. In 2021, a Travis County grand jury returned a murder indictment against Taylor.

Last November, jurors spent more than four days deliberating, but could not come to a unanimous decision on whether to convict or acquit Taylor on the charges.

Travis County District Attorney José Garza's office presented the case again to a grand jury Tuesday morning for consideration of murder and other potential charges. That jury returned a no-true bill for all charges presented.

“We are surprised and disappointed at this result, but we also respect the grand jury's decision and time,” said Garza. “Our hearts continue to break for the Ramos family, who we know are still grieving.”

After the mistrial last year, Taylor returned to administrative duty with pay, providing support to detectives. He still faces another murder charge in the death of 46-year old Mauris DeSilva, with a potential trial later this year.